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Project Topic
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The overall aim Sun2Fork is to develop an integrated greenhouse farming system through the adoption of technological and innovative approaches and sustainable resources to improve the sustainability of Mediterranean greenhouse farming systems and reduce production costs, contributing to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The objective is the integration of the synergic activity between the consortium expertise and the farmer experiences and needs, into a sustainable model-guided process. The specific objectives of Sun2Fork are:
SO1. To maximize the efficiency of organic and hybrid photovoltaic solar panels through the optimization of the trade-off between transparency and efficiency.
SO2. To reduce water consumption through the development of a highly efficient and sustainable closed-and-recirculation irrigation systems coupled with desalination and sterilization processes.
SO3. To develop novel eco-friendly substrates for hydroponic cultivation.
SO4. To optimized biostimulants and PGPB that maximize crop performance in soilless systems.
SO5. To integrate sensors for climate control, irrigation and fertilization in a hydroponic greenhouse by means of artificial-intelligence and deep learning.
SO6. Individuate new resilient crop(s) with better tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress in the Mediterranean area
SO7. To demonstrate the advanced, integrated results of the project in a greenhouse prototype merging all the innovations obtained in the project for an optimum training and exploitation of results among agricultural final users.
SO8. To perform the integrated life cycle sustainability assessment, covering all pillars of sustainability (social and economic LCA).
SO9. To disseminate the project and its results towards stakeholders, as well as promote the exploitation and commercialization of key exploitable results including the development of a new business model.
The objectives of Sun2Fork will be achieved through collaboration with research institutions, farmers, private industries, stakeholders, and citizens.
Sun2Fork promotes the use of renewable energy in agreement with the SET Plan which estimates that PV has the potential to meet 15% of the EU electricity demand in 2030. If this will be achieved, then this would result in a considerable reduction of CO2 emissions (carbon footprint of PV systems is at least 10 times lower than that of fossil fuel-based electricity).
In this respect, and according to the expected impact of Topic 2.2.1 (A step toward carbon-neutral farms: coupling renewable energy sources with circular farming systems), Sun2Fork Consortium will develop a greenhouse system which will assist in the reduction of power derived from burning fossil fuels, hence improving the climate and the environment.
Sun2Fork will contribute to the KPI1 and KPI2 through the creation of a sustainable production system (solar energy, eco-friendly substrates, water saving, pesticide reduction) in accordance with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, such as the SDG2, SDG7, SDG12, SDG13. Sun2Fork will also contribute to achieving the targets of the following European policies, directives and roadmaps: Sustainable development, European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, Water Reuse Regulation, Regenerative agriculture.
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