On October 27th, NOVATERRA partners met online for the official kick-off meeting to launch the project. NOVATERRA stands for “Integrated Novel Strategies for Reducing the Use and Impact of Pesticides, towards Sustainable Mediterranean Vineyards and Olive Groves”. The overall project aim is to create a more holistic approach to ensure food security and healthy food access for an increasing population while addressing the EU directives and priorities for sustainable use of pesticides. The project received a total of €4,884,346.35 in funding as a part of a Horizon 2020 grant from the European Commission. NOVATERRA Consortium, led by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) and supported in the idea conception and project design by the consulting company artica+i, is constituted by a total of 19 entities including experts from 6 countries (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and Belgium) with different profiles, who will design, develop, test and exploit the solutions.
Over the next 4 years, through a series of case studies in Mediterranean olive groves and vineyards, the project will aim to reduce environmental pollution and the damage to non-target organisms as well as the achievement of better economic sustainability for Mediterranean farmers. In addition, NOVATERRA will create a Stakeholders Network that shall participate in the initial diagnosis, in focus group meetings and workshops and other exploitation activities and provide specific consulting advice.