Search Results (99)

Organic farming represents a paradigm that emphasises a balance between production and environmental sustainability. In the European Union (EU), organic farming has evolved into a global production system with harmonised standards and increasing market demand. Compared with conventional agriculture, it produces greater environmental benefits. The European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy highlight the role of organic farming in achieving the EU’s climate and environmental goals, aiming to use at least 25% of the total agricultural area for organic farming by 2030. This research assesses the contributions of Member States towards achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and F2F strategy and increasing the number of organic farming areas in the future. The research assessed the performance of EU Member States during the period of 2018–2022 and for the projected period up to 2030, using indicators outlined in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan. EU Member States were classified by their historical growth in organic farming areas and their required future performance to meet targets. The results showed that the increase in organic farming areas across the EU is a sign of a shift towards more sustainable farming, although performance varied among Member States. Overall, performance tended to improve in seventeen Member States, remained stable in nine, and declined in only one. Full article

Foliar application of biostimulants can be a valid option to reach the goal of sustainable intensification in agriculture, especially in extensive crops such as durum wheat. However, due to the wide range of active ingredients and their mixtures available in the market, the need to select the most efficient product in a specific growing environment is of dramatic importance to achieve remarkable results in yield and grain quality. To analyze the potential of different active ingredients, a field trial was performed in two consecutive growing seasons (2023 and 2024) under Mediterranean climatic conditions. A randomized block design with three replicates was used. Durum wheat cultivar “Iride” was treated with the following five foliar biostimulants in comparison with the untreated control (T0): seaweed and plant extracts (T1); micronized vaterite (T2); culture broth of Pseudomonas protegens (T3); humic and fulvic acids (T4); organic nitrogen fertilizer (N 5%) containing glycine betaine (T5). Biostimulant treatment was applied at the end of tillering and at heading. Root length, chlorophyll content, grain yield, yield components and grain quality were measured and subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. As compared to the control, seaweed and plant extracts as well as micronized vaterite showed the best results in terms of grain yield (29% and 24% increase, respectively), root length (120% and 77% increase, respectively) and grain protein content (one percentage point increase, from approx. 12% to 13%). The results from this study can help Mediterranean farmers and researchers to develop new fertilization protocols to reach the goals of the “Farm to Fork” European strategy. Full article

The diversification of plant protein sources is a strategic priority for European food systems, particularly under the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies. In this study, dual production of full-fat soy (FFS) and expanded soybean cake (ESC) was evaluated using non-GMO soybeans cultivated under semi-organic conditions in Central Poland. Two agronomic systems—post-emergence mechanical weeding with rotary harrow weed control (P1) and conventional herbicide-based control (P2)—were compared over a four-year period. The P1 system produced consistently higher yields (e.g., 35.6 dt/ha in 2024 vs. 33.4 dt/ha in P2) and larger seed size (TSW: up to 223 g). Barothermal and press-assisted processing yielded FFS with protein content of 32.4–34.5% and oil content of 20.8–22.4%, while ESC exhibited enhanced characteristics: higher protein (37.4–39.0%), lower oil (11.6–13.3%), and elevated dietary fiber (15.8–16.3%). ESC also showed reduced anti-nutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid) and remained microbiologically and oxidatively stable over six months. The semi-organic P1 system offers a scalable, low-input approach to local soy production, while the dual-product model supports circular, zero-waste protein systems aligned with EU sustainability targets. Full article

Background: Conventional practices for the cultivation of “Cipollotto Nocerino” spring onion are mainly based on growers’ experience, and up to 250 kg/ha for N is commonly furnished among growing cycles. Facing the issue of reduced availability of natural resources for crop production (for example mineral resources), we investigated the optimization of the productivity. Methods: In our research, we tested the use of depletion nutrient supply strategy (CAL-FERT^®) to enhance fertilization in accordance with the principle of sustainable agriculture included in the Farm to Fork strategy. In our study, besides the common initial fertilization, three different strategies for cover fertilizations have been elaborated with the support of CAL-FERT^® software. The treatments were as follows: (i) commercial standard fertilization as control (named CF); (ii) fertilization equivalent to 50% of the N applied in the control (named F-50); (iii) fertilization corresponding to 25% of the N applied in the control (named F-25); and (iv) strongly reduced fertilization compared to the control (named F-0). The parameters investigated included the following: plant height, yield, SPAD index, nitrogen use efficiency, dry matter, soluble solid content, and pyruvate contents in bulbs and leaves. Nitrogen content was also analyzed for both hypogeous and epigeous apparatuses. Results: Among the most interesting vegetative results, plant height and SPAD readings were reduced only by the extreme treatment F-0 compared with the other treatments at 104 days after planting. Regarding qualitative and productive parameters, the treatments F-50 and F-25 showed the highest yield without prejudging Soluble Solid Content and reducing pungency. Conclusion: In nutritional experiments, onion could be considered as a crop model to investigate quality in vegetables due to its consumption as fresh product and for its particular response, in terms of yield and quality, to fertilization. The use of simulation software can support the identification of strategies to reduce the nutrient supply without any detrimental effect on yield and other vegetative and qualitative parameters in onion crops. Full article

The intensification of olive growing has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding nutrient loss from excessive fertiliser use. In line with the European Union’s Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to halve the soil nutrient losses by 2030, this study evaluates the effectiveness of two sensor-based approaches—proximal sensing with a FLAME spectrometer and remote sensing via UAV-mounted multispectral imaging—compared with foliar chemical analyses as the reference standard, for diagnosing the nutritional status of olive trees. The research was conducted in Elvas, Portugal, between 2022 and 2023, across three olive cultivars (‘Azeiteira’, ‘Arbequina’, and ‘Koroneiki’) subjected to different fertilisation regimes. Machine learning (ML) models showed strong correlations between sensor data and nutrient levels: the multispectral sensor performed best for phosphorus (P) (determination coefficient [$R^2$] = 0.75) and potassium (K) ($R^2$ = 0.73), while the FLAME spectrometer was more accurate for nitrogen (N) ($R^2$ = 0.64). These findings underscore the potential of sensor-based technologies for non-destructive, real-time nutrient monitoring, with each sensor offering specific strengths depending on the target nutrient. This work contributes to more sustainable and data-driven fertilisation strategies in precision agriculture. Full article

The European Green Deal, including the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies, assumes an increase in the area under organic farming to 25% by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, it is important to understand the factors that lead to the development of organic farming. Data from Lithuanian and Polish Farm Accountancy Data Network datasets and logistic regression was used to evaluate factors influencing the adoption of organic farming in two neighboring countries—Lithuania and Poland—that have quite different agricultural sectors. The study period was 2009–2019. The results indicated that multiple factors affected the probability of adopting organic farming in both Lithuania and Poland. However, the results were somewhat different at the beginning and at the end of the research period. The findings also demonstrated an important role of subsidies in the adoption of organic farming. These findings are particularly important for policy makers to design effective policies and programs aimed at supporting the development of organic farming in both Lithuania and Poland. Full article

The increasing consumer demand for minimally processed foods (MPFs) has highlighted the need for innovative preservation methods that ensure both safety and quality. Among promising biocontrol tools, bacteriophages—viruses that selectively destroy bacteria—have gained significant attention. This review explores the dual role of bacteriophages in the food industry. On one hand, they offer a natural, highly specific, and environmentally friendly means of controlling both pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in MPFs, contributing to improved food safety, extended shelf life, and reduced reliance on antibiotics and chemical preservatives. Their use spans primary production, bio-sanitization, and biopreservation. On the other hand, phages pose significant risks in fermentation-based industries such as dairy, where they can disrupt starter cultures and impair production. This review also examines the regulatory, technological, and safety challenges involved in phage application, including concerns about antibiotic resistance gene transfer, the presence of endotoxins, and scale-up limitations. Ultimately, this paper argues that with proper strain selection and regulation, bacteriophages can become valuable allies in sustainable food systems, despite their potential drawbacks. The application of strictly virulent bacteriophages as part of “green biotechnology” could enhance food quality and improve consumer health safety. By implementing the “farm to fork” strategy, bacteriophages may contribute to the production of health-promoting and sustainable food. Full article

The use of insect sex pheromones as an alternative technology for pest control in agriculture and forestry offers a promising solution. The development of a novel technology for the biological production of pheromones through yeast fermentation significantly lowers production costs, enabling the adoption of sustainable pest control practices in field crops, a strategy previously reserved for high-value crops. Over three years of monitoring and mating disruption trials in Greek cotton fields, focusing on the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), it was confirmed that yeast-derived pheromones exhibit equal efficacy compared to their chemically synthesized counterparts. For the mating disruption of H. armigera, a biodegradable, flowable, and paraffin-based matrix was developed. The matrix adheres to plants, protects the labile pheromone molecules (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-9-hexadecenal, and controls their gradual release into the environment. These biodegradable polymer blobs act as non-retrievable dispensers and can be deployed manually or via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ensuring efficient and accurate application. This precise, time-efficient, and economically sound technology aligns with European Commission initiatives, such as the Green Deal’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy, contributing to food sustainability while respecting biodiversity. Full article

In 2020, the European Union endorsed its “Farm-to-Fork” strategy, emphasizing the need for transparency in the food production chain and communication of the sustainability level and nutritional value of food products to the consumer through labeling. For animal-based products, this also includes information about the husbandry systems under which the animals are raised. At the same time, people are becoming increasingly concerned both as citizens and as consumers about animal welfare issues in production species, as animal welfare is considered an integral part of sustainability and food security. This has led to the development of various enhanced animal welfare labeling schemes, initiated by public or private entities, or even as a partnership of both. Specifically for cattle, sheep, and goats, various standards have been developed and implemented in Europe, all establishing higher welfare standards compared to conventional farming, and in some cases exceeding the minimum requirements for organic farming as set by Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Most of these standards, especially those developed by NGOs advocating for animal welfare or through public initiative, were developed for semi-intensive to extensive systems. They primarily incorporate animal-based measures, including positive welfare indicators, offering a holistic approach to animal welfare evaluation. Although there is significant heterogeneity in European animal welfare standards, nearly all of them promote access to pasture, comfort, environmental enrichment, and, in some cases, even mother–young bonding. Full article

The Farm-to-Fork strategy, an essential component of the European Green Deal, aims to establish a sustainable and healthy food system. A crucial aspect of this strategy is reducing synthetic pesticide use by 50% by 2030. In this context, biocontrol is seen as a vital tool for achieving this goal. However, the upscaling of biocontrol faces several challenges, including technical and socio-economic issues and concerns regarding the legal status of biocontrol products. This article focuses on the Positive List, which includes indigenous and introduced species that have been established for use in EPPO countries and approved biological agents in some OECD countries. This article discusses microbial control agents and active substances derived from microbial metabolites, macro-agents, semi-chemicals, and plant-based compounds. It covers their origins, active substances, mechanisms of action against target pests, application methods, market availability, benefits, and potential environmental side effects. Additionally, it discusses the role of beneficial insects and mites as natural enemies in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within the context of conservation methods. This article addresses the future of biological control, which largely relies on advancements in science to tackle two critical challenges: enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of biopreparations in field conditions and developing suitable formulations of biopesticides tailored to large-scale cultivation technologies for key crops. Full article

This study investigates the relationships between farmers’ perceptions, their agriculture practices, and objective soil health indicators in a viticultural subzone of the Madrid region, aligning with the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy. A dual-methodology approach was employed, combining detailed soil chemical and physical analyses with a structured survey of thirty-four local farmers. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and heavy metals (nickel, lead, and cadmium), while the survey captured farmers’ perceptions regarding soil contamination and sustainable practices. Results showed significantly higher levels of nitrogen (0.09% vs. 0.04%), phosphorus (125 vs. 65 mg/kg), and potassium (3100 vs. 1550 mg/kg) in fertilized plots (p < 0.05), while heavy metals remained within safe limits, compared to those not using fertilizers, as confirmed by Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). However, the impact on heavy metal accumulation was minimal, with only a slight decrease in nickel levels in fertilized plots. Additionally, the survey revealed low adoption rates of conservation agriculture techniques and limited training on sustainable practices, despite strong environmental commitment among farmers. These findings underscore the need for regular soil testing, targeted educational initiatives, and the increased promotion of conservation practices to better align subjective assessments with scientific evidence, ultimately enhancing both productivity and ecological resilience in sustainable viticulture. Full article

As part of the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy was introduced with the idea that environment, agriculture and food are interconnected topics. Reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers by 20% before 2030 through the adoption of circular economy principles is one of the goals to be achieved. There are several bioproducts that can be obtained from the valorization of agro-industrial wastes used to increase crop yields under low-fertilizer applications. However, the aim of this review is to describe production methods and the use of compost tea on horticultural crops to understand its real potential in providing plant growth support. The effects of compost tea on crops can vary widely depending on the waste material used, compost quality, compost tea production process and parameters, and the interaction between horticultural species and compost tea application dose. Therefore, because of this heterogeneity, it is possible that we would achieve real, positive impacts on the environment and horticultural production if there were more collaboration between the research sector and private farms. This collaboration would allow the development of protocols for compost tea production and customized use according to real farm needs. This would reduce both the costs associated with the disposal of waste produced on the farm and reduce the costs associated with the supply of synthetic fertilizers. The adoption of on-farm guidelines for compost tea use would achieve a balanced trade-off between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The literature review shows that the most-used dilution ratios, regardless of the type of starting compost, range from 1:5 to 1:10 compost–water (v/v). Although a complete understanding of the biostimulatory mechanisms activated by compost tea is lacking, the application of this bioproduct would improve the physiological and productive performance of many horticultural species of interest, especially under suboptimal conditions such as organic production. Full article

Pomegranate cultivation has gained interest in Italy, driven by the tree’s drought tolerance and temperature requirements, which make it a suitable alternative crop for farmers transitioning from traditional options like olives, cereals, or vineyards. Despite its increasing popularity, particularly in Southern Italy, fragmented knowledge of this crop hinders its diffusion. This review addresses these gaps by synthesizing knowledge across agronomy, crop protection, economics, and managerial aspects. Also, the current review identifies challenges and opportunities for pomegranate farmers. It offers insights into different irrigation, fertilization, and training systems and different soil management strategies by identifying suitable cultivars according to the market outcome. Furthermore, this review examines the main biotic threats, such as the fungal diseases affecting this crop all over the world and in Italy. Moreover, the work explores the extent to which abiotic factors like drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures are responsible for fruit injuries and reduced marketability. Lastly, this review collects market figures on pomegranate production by identifying challenges that undermine market development and discusses managerial strategies to increase the profitability of this crop while avoiding price competition from non-European countries. Therefore, this detailed review, combining knowledge from multiple disciplines, will support the Italian pomegranate sector’s growth, ensuring farmers’ long-term profitability and environmental sustainability according to the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy. Full article

The adoption of biopesticides in Mediterranean agriculture is shaped by environmental, economic, and socio-cultural factors. This study explores the push and pull factors influencing farmers’ decisions in Spain’s Ebro Delta, Tunisia’s Nabeul region, and Turkey’s Adana province. Through qualitative fieldwork and comparative analysis, key barriers to adoption are identified, including high costs, limited market availability, skepticism about efficacy, and reliance on conventional pesticides. However, this study also highlights opportunities driven by regulatory changes, increasing market demand for sustainable products, and the potential of biopesticides to improve ecological sustainability. The research follows a comparative case-study approach and was conducted between January and November 2024. The methodology included a literature review, two rounds of qualitative interviews with farmers, and thematic analysis to identify barriers and enabling factors, ensuring methodological rigor and cross-validation. Findings indicate that farmers’ professional ethos and economic conditions significantly limit biopesticide adoption. Perceived inefficacy, high production costs, and low profit margins reinforce reluctance. Spain struggles with skepticism, Tunisia faces economic and informational barriers, and Turkey’s reliance on traditional practices slows innovation. Despite these obstacles, key drivers facilitate adoption, including improved agricultural education, cooperative support, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. Legal frameworks, particularly the EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, play a crucial role, though top-down policies risk local resistance. This study outlines a model for biopesticide adoption based on seven key factors, with legal frameworks and farm structure emerging as primary drivers. Addressing economic and educational barriers is crucial for widespread adoption. By implementing targeted policies, Mediterranean agriculture can become a model for sustainable practices, balancing productivity and environmental stewardship. Full article

The use of plant protection products (PPPs) is the main method of controlling Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), as it constitutes a cheap and effective approach that is easy for farmers to follow. Unfortunately, it is widely recognized that the use of PPPs poses a risk not only to the environment but also to human health. The urgent need for sustainable development, recommended by the European Union and expressed in the “Farm to Fork Strategy”, includes a serious restriction on the use of PPPs. This strategy assumes a 50% reduction in the use of PPPs by 2030. These efforts have driven the exploration of innovative and effective plant protection strategies utilizing new active compounds. The examined substance, N-methyl-N-methoxyamide-7-carboxybenzo(1.2.3)thiadiazole (BTHWA), is a novel amide derivative of benzothiadiazole with the ability to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR). This work presents a series of experiments conducted in the process of determining the appropriate technology for BTHWA use and proving its effectiveness in controlling CLS in sugar beet cultivation. It has been demonstrated that the application of treatments using BTHWA or BTHWA combined with a fungicide in a reduced number of treatments had the same effect on the reduction of plant infection with C. beticola and obtained root and technological sugar yields the same as those that resulted from the use of a full fungicidal treatment. The results provide grounds for reducing the use of fungicides by showing that the same effects can be attained by combining or replacing them with BTHWA. Full article