“Cooperation through Tech-Based Practices to Struggle Invasive Species and Climate Change for a Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture”

(AGRICOOP – BSB01005)

AGRICOOP (BSB01005) is an 18-month transnational project implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027. The project aims to strengthen agricultural resilience by identifying invasive alien species, assessing the risks associated with their spread, and developing technology-based management methods adapted to climate change.

Key Project Information

Partners

• Türkiye — Trabzon Commodity Exchange (TCE), Lead Partner;
• Bulgaria — Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA);
• Georgia — Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (BSU);
• Türkiye — Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU).

Main Objectives

• To identify invasive alien species that are widespread or potentially hazardous in the partner countries;
• To assess the impact of climate change on agricultural crops and the spread of pests;
• To develop joint methods for monitoring and controlling invasive species;
• To improve the quality and productivity of agricultural products;
• To introduce modern digital and monitoring technologies;
• To increase the knowledge and awareness of farmers and other stakeholders.

Main Activities

• Identification of agricultural crops that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and invasive species;
• Research on invasive species currently present or expected to occur in the partner countries and creation of a database;
• Selection of pilot areas and implementation of field monitoring;
• Installation of Climate and Pest Detection Stations (CPDS);
• Preparation of density and distribution maps of invasive species;
• Development of MAPPEST, a mobile application for pest identification and the sharing of field data;
• Delivery of training courses and information seminars for farmers and stakeholders;
• Organisation of an international forum on climate change, agricultural pests and pest control methods.

Funding

• Interreg funding: €455,893.20 — 90% of the total project budget;
• Partners’ contribution: €50,654.80 — 10% of the total project budget;
• Budget of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University: €110,628.00, including €99,565.20 in Interreg funding and €11,062.80 as BSU’s contribution.

AGRICOOP is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027.

Further information about the project is available in the attached official Application Form.

  attached file