A sustainable alternative that combines technology and nature to reduce environmental impact in agriculture
Soil is an essential resource for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. In this context, the European LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project focuses on the development of natural fumigants that replace chemical pesticides, protecting greenhouse crops from pests and diseases such as whitefly, botrytis fungus and other pathogens, and mitigating the negative impact on soils.
Led by the Malaga-based company Fumi-Hogar, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN’s main objective is to demonstrate that fumigant biopesticides are a less toxic and highly effective alternative for European crops, improving the sustainability of horticultural production. This innovative project has several environmental goals, including:
- Minimize soil and groundwater contamination.
- Reduce hazardous waste associated with the use of chemical phytosanitary products.
- Contribute to the production of food free of toxic residues, improving food safety.
- Reducing the carbon footprint of greenhouse agriculture.
With a total budget of €2,758,921.01, 60% financed by the European Union’s LIFE program, the project is being implemented in three key European countries: Spain, Italy and Portugal. The work areas include the cities of Almeria, Syracuse and Lisbon.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN, with a duration of four and a half years (2022-2027), not only evaluates the efficacy of these natural fumigants against specific pests such as Frankliniella occidentalis (thrips) and Tuta absoluta, but also their positive impact on the quality of tomato, bell pepper and zucchini crops. This approach demonstrates that fumigant biopesticides can be replicated in different European farming systems.
Key project activities include:
- The design of efficacy trials under controlled conditions in multi-tunnel and scrape-and-dock greenhouses.
- Monitoring of environmental and socioeconomic impact indicators.
- The development of methodological guidelines to replicate the results in other agricultural contexts.
The project has the collaboration of partners such as B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó, BrioAgro Tech, Fundación Tecnova and Fundación Finnova. In addition, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN is part of a wider network of LIFE projects focused on agricultural innovation and sustainability, standing out as an example of the transition towards a more environmentally friendly agriculture.
More information about the project: life-nextfumigreen – Fumihogar
About LIFE NextFUMIGREEN
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN is funded by the European Union’s LIFE program, the only instrument dedicated exclusively to the environment and climate action. Since 1992, this program has supported more than 5,500 projects that drive sustainable solutions at the European level.
