Bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical farming applications for sustainable crop protection across Europe.
In the vast agricultural landscapes of Europe, a silent revolution is underway—one that balances the critical need for crop protection with the urgent demand for environmental stewardship.
Spraying plant protection products (PPPs) is essential for controlling pests and preventing crop diseases, but carries inherent risks when not executed with precision and expertise.
Seven hubs across Europe tailored solutions to local needs while maintaining connection to a broader European knowledge base 3 9 .
Interactive sessions in Brussels facilitated direct exchange between stakeholders, ensuring grassroots needs informed research priorities.
Covered spraying application needs across Europe's most commonly cultivated crops: cereals, vegetables, orchards, vineyards, and greenhouses 3 .
Technologies to estimate and reduce environmental contamination
Procedures highlighting benefits of regular sprayer inspections
Innovations to increase application efficacy
Practical information on dose expression for orchard and bush crops
Calibration and operation procedures using engaging videos
Schemes for sprayers and nozzles to help farmers select optimal combinations 3
A comprehensive strategy centered around creating and testing various knowledge-sharing mechanisms.
Developed an interactive online platform serving as a freely accessible repository of innovative spraying technologies and best practices 3 .
Created a comprehensive inventory of research work and commercial applications related to spraying technologies 3 .
The INNOSETA approach yielded significant measurable impacts, demonstrating the power of collaborative networks in agricultural innovation.
| Impact Area | Specific Outcomes | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Sharing | Development of interactive platform and inventory of spraying technologies | Created centralized resource for best practices and innovations |
| Stakeholder Collaboration | Establishment of 7 national innovation hubs and international workshops | Facilitated direct exchange between researchers, industry, and farmers |
| Practical Implementation | Training materials, calibration videos, and classification schemes | Translated complex research into actionable guidance for farmers |
| Environmental Protection | Methods to reduce spray drift and contamination | Addressed critical sustainability challenges in agriculture |
| Economic Efficiency | Improved equipment calibration and operation procedures | Helped farmers reduce costs while maintaining efficacy |
The project identified several crucial tools and approaches that form the foundation of effective, sustainable spraying practices.
| Tool/Component | Function | Application Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sprayer Classification Schemes | Categorizes sprayers and nozzles based on performance characteristics | Helps farmers select optimal nozzle/sprayer/technology combinations for specific pesticides |
| Drift Reduction Technologies | Minimizes spray drift through equipment modifications and adjuvants | Reduces environmental contamination and protects non-target areas |
| Calibration Procedures | Ensures accurate application rates through proper equipment setup | Prevents over- or under-application, saving costs and improving efficacy |
| Digital Platforms | Facilitates knowledge exchange and access to best practices | Provides ongoing support and updated information for farmers and advisors |
| Dose Expression Systems | Standardizes how application rates are communicated and calculated | Addresses the "dose expression dilemma" particularly for orchard and bush crops |
The INNOSETA project represents more than just a temporary initiative—it has established a new paradigm for agricultural knowledge exchange.
By creating a sustainable network that continues to evolve and adapt, the project ensures that innovations in spraying technology and methodology will continuously flow from research laboratories to farming operations 9 .
This approach aligns with broader European Union objectives, including the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, which emphasize sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental impact.
The true measure of INNOSETA's success lies not only in the technologies it helped disseminate but in the cultural shift it fostered toward continuous learning and collaboration across the agricultural sector.