The Operational Group OLIVEUP (M16SYN2-00066) of the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture is active in the Region of North Aegean under Measure 16 (16.1–16.2) of the RDP 2014–2020. Its focus is on addressing reduced fruit set and premature fruit drop in olive cultivation, phenomena that are intensified under the pressure of climate change. The goal is to apply environmentally friendly cultivation practices and biostimulants as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), combined with modern monitoring and decision-making technologies, in order to optimize the productive capacity of olive trees and enhance the adaptability of North Aegean olive groves to changing climatic conditions.
Main Actions of the Project
- Diagnosis of the problem and critical factors
A systematic analysis is carried out on the biological and environmental parameters that affect the stages of flowering, pollination, fruit set, and fruit drop, with the aim of accurately identifying the causes that lead to the manifestation of the problem. - Development of cultivation practice protocols
Integrated protocols for the prevention and management of the problem are developed, making use of biostimulants as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), combined with modern cultivation practices. The protocols incorporate monitoring technologies and decision-support systems to optimize their implementation. - Operational implementation and evaluation in pilot fields
The developed protocols are applied on a pilot basis in olive groves of the region, with emphasis on the use of biostimulants to enhance fruit set and reduce fruit drop. Their effectiveness is evaluated based on specific indicators of productivity and environmental sustainability, in order to document their reliability and support their dissemination into the production process.
Benefits for Producers, the Region, and the Environment
- Reduction of fruit losses and stabilization of production
The application of the proposed practices contributes to improving fruit set and reducing fruit drop, even in years with intense climatic phenomena such as heatwaves or prolonged drought. This ensures more stable yields and greater income security for producers. - Enhancement of economic efficiency
Better targeting of inputs through decision-support systems leads to reduced cost per unit of product and helps minimize economic losses during periods of adverse conditions. - Reduction of environmental footprint and promotion of sustainability
The use of biostimulants and the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) reduce dependence on agrochemicals, fostering the transition toward more environmentally friendly cultivation practices. - Strengthening climate resilience
The adoption of innovative cultivation practices increases the adaptive capacity of the olive sector to more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and other climate risks, ensuring the resilience of the agricultural landscape and the sustainable development of the region.
European Innovation Partnership “Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability”
The objective of Measure 16 is to strengthen the culture of cooperation among stakeholders with the aim of:
- enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in primary production (agricultural holdings) in the food sector, especially in local products, and
- exploring new cultivation and production practices that contribute to environmental protection as well as adaptation to climate change.
Through the collaborations that will be developed, opportunities will arise for the utilization of new technologies and innovative processes in order to:
- produce safer and healthier food,
- reduce water consumption and, in general, the cost of inputs, for both economic and environmental benefit, and
- safeguard the uniqueness of certified agricultural products.
