The Horizon EU project NextGenBioPest is proud to announce its partnership with SAGROPIA, a groundbreaking initiative focused on reducing chemical pesticide dependence through the introduction of thirteen biological and low-risk pesticides for European agriculture. Together, these projects are working to establish a new standard for sustainable pest management, integrating innovative, eco-friendly solutions within IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to protect both crop yields and environmental health.
SAGROPIA is dedicated to transforming plant protection across Europe by developing sustainable alternatives for high-impact crops, specifically potato and sugar beet, that currently rely on “candidates for substitution” (CfS) and other active substances. The project’s aim is to replace these conventional chemicals with safer biological and low-risk options that support crop health while minimizing risks to human health, ecosystems, and natural resources.
Driving a New Era of Eco-Friendly Pest Control
This partnership represents a shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of crop protection in Europe. By combining NextGenBioPest’s innovative pest control toolkit—including Biological Control Agents, RNA-based pesticides, and diagnostics for pest identification—with SAGROPIA’s suite of thirteen low-risk pesticides, the projects will offer a comprehensive, integrated approach to plant protection that prioritizes safety and sustainability.
Highlights of the collaboration include:
Replacing Hazardous Chemicals with Low-Risk Alternatives: SAGROPIA’s development of thirteen biological and low-risk pesticides provides new, safer alternatives to chemicals currently in use, some of which are classified as “candidates for substitution” due to their potential environmental and health risks. NextGenBioPest’s expertise in low-risk agents and biological controls will enhance SAGROPIA’s formulations, ensuring they align with the EU’s stringent safety and sustainability standards.
Targeted Crop Protection for Potato and Sugar Beet: Both projects will focus on integrating these new biological pesticides within IPM strategies tailored to potato and sugar beet crops, which are crucial to European agriculture. NextGenBioPest’s diagnostic and monitoring tools will assist in optimizing the timing and application of SAGROPIA’s products, creating an efficient, data-driven approach to pest control.
Promoting IPM Adoption Across Europe: With a shared emphasis on IPM strategies, NextGenBioPest and SAGROPIA are committed to providing farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt sustainable pest management practices. Training programs will educate farmers on implementing these biological and low-risk solutions effectively, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting long-term soil and ecosystem health.
Assessing Environmental Impact and Ensuring Compliance: Both projects will collaborate to monitor the environmental impacts of these innovative solutions, assessing their effects on biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. This research will guide regulatory compliance and support the safe, widespread adoption of low-risk solutions in European agriculture.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
The NextGenBioPest-SAGROPIA partnership is setting a new direction for plant protection in Europe, championing solutions that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and safeguard the environment. By prioritizing sustainable alternatives and rigorous IPM practices, the projects aim to protect the health of ecosystems, people, and agricultural communities, ultimately supporting the EU’s goals for pesticide reduction and environmental stewardship.