VALPRO Path is a Horizon Europe project that aims at developing innovative business models for protein plant production in Europe, addressing the growing demand for sustainable crops and sources of plant-based protein. These objectives align perfectly with European policies promoting environmental sustainability and food security.
Partnership
Agricolus, as a technology provider, supports agronomic monitoring and data collection of Innovative Production Systems (IPS) to optimize crop operations and improve outcomes.
Key partners in the project are the University of Turin (UNITO), Beotanics (Ireland), Confagricoltura, and Teagasc, each contributing expertise in genetic research, experimental field management, and protein plant innovations.
Activities carried out by Agricolus
Agricolus is actively involved in the IPS2 and IPS3 pilots, focusing respectively on varietal selection and intercropping.
In the IPS2 pilot Agricolus has collaborated with UNITO and Beotanics within the cultivation of peas. With the University of Turin, agronomic data and farming operations have been collected on experimental pea fields, mapping the entire crop cycle to optimize future operations. This systematic approach allows for the analysis of existing agricultural practices and improves the productivity of the crops.
In the IPS3 pilot Agricolus is analyzing weather and satellite data, integrated with drone images, to study correlations in cases of lodging damage. This process is supported by Teagasc, providing information on crop growth and detailed phenological data.
The Research & Development team at Agricolus is engaged in reparameterizing crop models and creating unique, easily accessible datasets aimed at improving productivity and agronomic analysis.
Benefits for farmers
The VALPRO Path project offers numerous advantages to European farmers interested in growing protein plants. They will have access to advanced agronomic database designed to optimize their agricultural practices. Additionally, the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) specifically for legumes is under evaluation, which will provide precise analyses and customized forecasts for crop management. This innovative system aims to simplify the planning of agricultural operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
VALPRO aims to create a sustainable future for European agriculture by improving the resilience of production systems and promoting the cultivation of protein plants, thereby contributing to long-term food security in the context of climate change and environmental challenges.
