NextGenBioPest tackles one of modern agriculture’s most pressing issues: controlling difficult-to-manage pests and pathogens in fruits and vegetables without relying on chemical pesticides. Funded under Horizon Europe, this €5.6 million, 48‑month project aims to reduce pesticide dependency and enhance sustainable crop health. This aligns with the CABI BioProtection Portal’s mission to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of bioprotection among growers and advisors.
Toolkit of Innovations: Science at Work
NextGenBioPest is creating a new toolkit for plant protection in key fruit and vegetable crops, using:
- Diagnostics & AI – Automated molecular platforms for rapid detection of threats.
- Biological Control Agents – designing ecological infrastructures to enhance the effectiveness of biological control agents.
- RNA‑based Pesticides – leveraging the latest advancements for sustainable crop protection.
- Low‑Risk Green Chemicals & Resistance Inducers – Repurposed eco-friendly substances that fortify natural plant defences
The effects of these innovations are evaluated for their socio-economic and environmental impact. This includes assessing farmers’ willingness to adopt new approaches, examining changes in the food supply chains and understanding consumer perceptions of new production methods.
Nine Specific Objectives: The Road map
NextGenBioPest is organized around strategic goals:
- SO1–SO2: Engage stakeholders and develop molecular platforms and IT/AI diagnostics.
- SO3–SO5: Develop and validate biological agents, RNA‑pesticides, plant inducers, and repurposed Green Chemicals.
- SO6–SO7: Enhance farming practices and combine novel tools into validated IPM systems.
- SO8–SO9: Assess impacts and drive dissemination, commercialization, and uptake
Collaboration & Governance
The project unites a multidisciplinary consortium—farmers, researchers, regulators, and industry. It’s coordinated by Prof. John Vontas of FORTH, with strategic oversight from an External Scientific Advisory Committee.
Backed by EU, UKRI, and Canadian funding, the initiative uses international cooperation to advance sustainable agriculture.
The outcome: Real-world impact
NextGenBioPest’s integrated model—combining diagnostics, biological agents, AI, and agroecological management—promises:
- Reduced chemical pesticide use
- Healthier ecosystems and biodiversity
- Improved crop yields and farming sustainability
- Data-driven socioeconomic assessments supporting adoption and commercialization
Reaching Out: Sharing their results
NextGenBioPest are building a network to increase understanding of biocontrols. There are several ways to learn more about their progress and increase your understanding:
- Public Outputs: Podcasts, webinars, and scientific publications are available here. For example, research on parasitoid wasps in apple orchards and biocontrol of thrips.
- Newsletters & Events: Regular project updates, including educational outreach and collaborations with projects like FORSAID and STELLA.
- Become a member of their innovation hub: A members-only platform offering workshops, training, funding resources, and job listings.
Join the Journey: Growing the stakeholder network
The CABI BioProtection Portal is already a stakeholder. From this relationship, we hope to share learnings and reach new organisations and end users. As an Agrochemical and Agri-Tech company, consulting company, research institute, or research project you can become one too!
NextGenBioPest are always looking for new stakeholders to join their forum. This community supports NextGenBioPest’s work by attending events, sharing expertise or simply spreading the message. To find out more contact Angeliki Milioti, angeliki@smartagrohub.gr.
Working together we can raise awareness and encourage the adoption of more sustainable approaches to pest management —and create a healthier future for global food production, people and the planet.
