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Project Topic
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The intensification of current agricultural production systems is one of the primary drivers of biodiversity loss. Currently, biodiversity loss is accelerating globally with agriculture and animal production being one of the major causal agents. The main components of agricultural intensification that have been identified to negatively affect biodiversity are the loss of natural habitats by conversion to agricultural land, the large field and farm size, as well as the extensive inputs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The increasing demand for agricultural land over the past 50 years to cover the nutrient needs of a continuously growing population has led to considerable natural habitats destruction with direct negative impacts to biodiversity. The large size of agricultural farms is also related to decreased habitat heterogeneity at the farm level. Finally, the extensive use of plant protection products and the widespread contamination of ecosystems with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers is also a factor responsible for the biodiversity deterioration in agricultural farming systems. Therefore, urgent systemic changes in the current agricultural practices are needed to address this issue. Integrating agroecological practices with current agricultural farming systems could offer a sustainable means to conserve and enhance the endangered farming biodiversity and increase ecosystems services. In this context, the aim of ADVAGROMED is to develop a “new”, innovative, holistic agricultural production system based on agro-ecological principles and circular economy practices. ADVAGROMED introduces sustainable farming practice to increase the resilience of the agro livelihood systems. Using a multi-actor approach ADVAGROMED applies the Circular Economy / zero waste principle developing a sustainable and innovative farming system in the Mediterranean Area. ADVAGROMED uses by-products of local agricultural productions for rearing insects (Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM)) which deliver different products: 1) insect frass to be used as fertilizer to improve farm soil quality, to enhance plant health and soil microbial biodiversity, and deliver an antimicrobial effect (decreasing the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides), and 2) live larvae to feed local poultry breeds ensuring good animal performances, health and product quality (decreasing the use of imported feeds). In this way, biodiversity is promoted at various levels, i.e. at farm level where the genetic variability of local crops and varieties/animal breeds is exploited, but also at a regional level by minimizing the negative impact of synthetic pesticides on the microfauna through the exploitation of insect frass as biopesticide and plant immune modulator. This innovative farming system aims to be adopted by small farms, generating additional income for farmers in the Mediterranean countries. The project is divided into 6 Work Packages (WPs) where agricultural by-products generated in the partners countries are identified, chemically characterized and bioconverted using TM and HI (WP2). The products of this process are used to feed local poultry breed (live larvae; WP3) and to fertilize local crops and varieties (insect frass + poultry manure; WP4) in Italy, Greece, Spain and Morocco. WP5 is devoted to economic, environmental, social assessments and consumer study aspects. In addition to knowledge transfer and dissemination activities (WP6), a tight connection with local farmers and stakeholders is performed. Indeed, to demonstrate the socio-economic benefits for the farmers, 4 demonstration sites are developed in Italy, Greece, Spain and Morocco. These actions, together with the organization of Living Labs, widely promote the adoption of this innovative farming system by local farmers. Particular attention is paid to youth engagement and women empowerment to develop sustainable business models for socioeconomic growth.
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