Key Takeaways
- CROPSAFE, a new EU-funded research and innovation project, has officially launched to develop safe and sustainable bio-based alternatives to chemical pesticides.
- The initiative targets major threats to key European crops, including PCN, RKN, Fusarium Wilt, and Banana Weevil.
- CROPSAFE will transform biological residues into bioactive crop protection compounds using a Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework.
- Innovations include advanced biopolymer formulations, digital decision-support tools, AI-guided application modelling, and pan-European field validation.
- The 48-month project engages universities, industry partners, and farmers across Europe to support food security, biodiversity, and the circular bioeconomy.
EU-Funded CROPSAFE Initiative Begins Development of Bio-Based Crop Protection Solutions
A new European consortium has announced the launch of CROPSAFE, a research and innovation project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program through the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). The project aims to develop bio-based, safe, and sustainable crop protection alternatives to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and safeguard major European food crops.
CROPSAFE responds to growing challenges faced by farmers as multiple chemical pesticides are phased out due to environmental and health concerns. Without viable alternatives, crops including potatoes, tomatoes, and bananas remain vulnerable to destructive pests and pathogens such as Potato Cyst Nematode, Root Knot Nematode, Fusarium Wilt, and Banana Weevil—threats that put yields, farmer incomes, and regional food security at risk.
CROPSAFE to Transform Biological Residues Into Next-Generation Bioactives
The project leverages circular bioeconomy principles to convert aquatic biomass, forestry residues, spent coffee grounds, and fungal waste into bioactive compounds. These include plant-inspired phenols and natural signalling mimics designed to interfere with pest communication or reinforce plant defences.
Key technical innovations include:
- Valorisation of biological residues: Scalable biorefining processes to create diverse bioactive molecules from underutilized feedstocks.
- Advanced bio-based formulations: Biopolymer encapsulation and biochar-based delivery systems to ensure controlled release and reduce environmental impact.
- Mechanism-driven design: Scientific analysis to understand how compounds interact with plant ecosystems, enhancing resilience and disease resistance.
- Digital decision-support tools: AI-driven models to optimise product application across varied climates and soil types.
- Pan-European validation: Field trials from Scotland to Italy and Spain to test performance in diverse agricultural conditions.
CROPSAFE Consortium Highlights Europe’s Need for Sustainable Crop Protection
“The CROPSAFE project represents a vital step towards a resilient and sustainable agricultural future for Europe,” said the Project Coordinator from Universidad de Alicante. “By turning bio-based residues into a valuable resource for crop protection, we are not only addressing an urgent need for farmers but also strengthening the circular bioeconomy.”
The consortium brings together expertise in biorefining, plant science, pest biology, formulation chemistry, and digital agriculture to create integrated solutions aligned with the EU Green Deal and sustainable agriculture priorities.
CROPSAFE to Advance From Lab to Field Over a 48-Month Timeline
Over the next four years, the project will progress from laboratory proof-of-concept to full-scale field demonstrations across multiple European agricultural zones. The consortium plans extensive engagement with farmers, value-chain partners, policymakers, and the public through workshops, publications, and outreach activities.
The CROPSAFE initiative aims to deliver scalable, effective, and economically viable tools that strengthen European crop protection, enhance biodiversity, and support the EU’s transition toward safer, more sustainable agricultural systems.
