Integrated plant protection as an answer for climate change

The project aimed to address vital gaps in agricultural knowledge within the EU's Farm to Fork strategy, providing digital training materials for farmers, experts, trainers, and advisors. Througho...

Our project addressed critical challenges in the vegetable and fruit production sector, focusing on plant health, information flow, and climate change impacts. Objectives included enhancing knowledge on eco-friendly plant protection, leveraging digitalization for wider access, mitigating climate change impacts through reduced pesticide use, sharing best practices internationally, and developing a curriculum for educational integration. By engaging experts to materialize best practices, developing online learning materials, analyzing climate change impacts on pest management, establishing international platforms, and creating a structured curriculum, the project aimed to enhance knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and create a framework for ongoing education. The multifaceted approach targeted lasting impacts on plant health and agricultural sustainability.

The project's comprehensive implementation strategy revolves around three main outputs, each with distinct subtasks to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector. The following outlines the key activities undertaken to achieve the project's objectives: Survey and Stakeholder Analysis (PR1): Conducted a survey to identify the specific needs of the target group related to plant protection issues. Analyzed stakeholder perspectives and opinions through targeted engagement with the target group. Established a common ground for further development by ensuring that digital and visual elements align with the identified needs. Encouraged networking and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Addressed target group members, seeking their views and opinions on digital tools and content related to plant health. Analyzed survey results to gain insights into the specific needs of the target audience. Compiled a list of stakeholders and encouraged networking to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Development of Training Materials (PR2): Developed updated training materials addressing new invasive pests, diagnosis methods, and preventions. Conducted an international best practice analysis to identify and disseminate innovative and traditional organic technologies. Filled the educational gap in the field by creating modern training materials. Developed practical knowledge on integrated pest management and gathered innovative best practices from partner countries. Ensured that the efficiency of identified best practices is proven and integrated into training materials. Modern Online Learning Management System (LMS) (PR3): Developed a modern, user-friendly online LMS with digitized modules, visual tools, and pedagogical tools. Established an online forum and blog to facilitate dialogue between plant protection experts and farmers, addressing plant health issues. Integrated project-developed materials into the curriculum and training offerings of potential education providers. Action of PR3: Digitalization and Visualization: Created digital assets such as videos, factsheets, and infographics to enhance accessibility. Made training materials available for technical advisors, farmers, hobby farmers, and educators. International Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Established international platforms, blogs, and forums for knowledge exchange between experts and farmers. Accelerated information flow between countries to mitigate chemical use and damages caused by pests. Curriculum Development (PR3) Developed a curriculum in the format of a syllabus, specifying time frames and objectives. Facilitated the integration of project materials into educational settings. Testing, Dissemination, and Evaluation: Tested materials in workshops and events to gather feedback and ensure practical applicability. Disseminated project outcomes through multiplier events to a wider audience. Conducted thorough evaluations to assess the impact and effectiveness of the implemented activities. Through these results, the project aimed to enhance knowledge, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and create a lasting impact on plant health and food safety in the target regions.

The project aimed for continuous access to digital materials, establishing an international knowledge transfer platform among experts. It produced innovative training materials on climate-change-induced pests for various crops. Responsive to the pandemic, it ensured uninterrupted education, shaped by stakeholder feedback. Sustainability was ensured through an expert-farmer network, shaping a lasting impact on plant health and sustainable agriculture. Please see the overview of the concrete results: Project Result 1 (PR1): Survey and Stakeholder Analysis PR1/A1 Research (1/1/2022-31/7/2022): Led by TREBAG with assistance from ARID, the survey on digital literacy and target group needs identified areas for knowledge transfer. The questionnaire collected insights from 121 completed surveys across partner countries. PR1/A2 Stakeholder analysis (1/1/2022-31/7/2022): Led by TREBAG, this analysis specified stakeholders and professional bodies on national and international levels. The analysis refined areas for knowledge transfer, determining the most suitable methods. Project Result 2 (PR2): Training Material on Plant Protection PR2/A1 Best Practices (1/7/2022-31/12/2022): Led by MAICh, partners collected innovative and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. Best practices were categorized, addressing multiple benefits across different pathogen groups. PR2/A2 Design and Development of Learning Resources (1/7/2022-30/6/2023): Led by Kujáni, partners (RO, HU1, HU2, BG) developed a knowledge base and training materials. MAICh played a crucial role in peer review, ensuring the quality and relevance of the content. Project Result 3 (PR3): Online Platform and Digital Training Material PR3 Online Platform (1/4/2023-31/12/2023): Discussions on visual materials selection from collected best practices were underway. Partners were gearing up for the development of the online platform and digital training material. A1 - Pedagogical Basis: ARID lead the establishment of the pedagogical framework for online training material, defining access guidelines for the target group, leveraging their pedagogical expertise. A2 - Visual Enrichment: Kujani and AU enhanced PR2 contents with engaging visual elements, including video, factsheets, and infographics, ensuring material appeal in the online space. A3 - Platform Development: CZU spearheaded the creation of a multilingual platform with essential tools, incorporating lessons from PR1 and specific contents from PR2. A4 - Networking Forum and Blogs: MAICh plans an open-source forum for expert-farmer dialogue, ensuring effective structure and content topics for meaningful utilization. A5 - Curriculum Syllabus: Trebag lead the development of a curriculum template, guidelines, and optimal design for varied target groups, utilizing partner reports to create a final report with a sample syllabus for European use.