AdvisoryNetPEST’s Annual Meeting Highlights Innovative Pesticide Reduction Strategies

The AdvisoryNetPEST project aims to create a network and upgrade advisory services across the EU to increase the sharing of knowledge and the adoption of innovative solutions to reduce the use and risks of pesticides (RURP) in all EU Member States, enabling the agricultural sector to achieve the targets proposed by the Farm to Fork Strategy.

The project consortium met in Bordeaux from February 4 to February 6 to look at what has been done in the first year of the project and to plan the year ahead with the planning of the different activities: cross-visits, EU online workshops and AKIS technical workshops.

A key highlight of the first day was the testing of the cross-visit methodology at the ASTREDHOR site, where participants observed an innovative and sustainable weed management technique: wool mulching as an alternative to plastic and herbicides in ornamental nurseries.

This technique aims to reduce weed germination by applying a wool-based mulch directly on the crop row. By limiting light exposure to the soil, the wool barrier inhibits weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides while promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, it presents a locally sourced and biodegradable alternative to plastic-based mulching solutions.

The wool mulch is applied specifically to the rows, while inter-row areas can be managed through mechanical weeding or maintained with natural ground cover. The effectiveness of the method depends on the quality and density of the wool fabric used. If the material is too thin (300 g/m²), it lacks sufficient light-blocking properties and is prone to tearing. Conversely, if it is too thick (1000 g/m²), it becomes heavy to handle and may function more as a seedbed than a mulch. A 700 g/m² wool fabric has been identified as an optimal balance, offering a lifespan of 2–3 years while ensuring durability and efficiency in weed suppression.

This technique is a practical and eco-friendly solution for nursery production, contributing to soil restoration, water retention, and circular economy practices through wool waste recycling.

The partners also visited Château Couhins, with a history dating back to the 17th century, where they heard about innovative practices that reduce the use and risk of pesticides during their visit to the estate.

Château Couhins has embraced an environmentally conscious philosophy for over two decades. The estate banned herbicides in 2000 and has since focused on enriching the soil health, fostering biodiversity, and implementing precise, sustainable viticulture. Certified organic in 2022, are used hedges and flower strips create ecological corridors that support beneficial wildlife, while nesting boxes for birds and bats help naturally control vineyard pests. It was also mentioned that the correct use of sprayers is essential to ensure the efficient use of pesticides. The estate has also introduced polyculture, with saffron fields and olive trees now thriving alongside the vines, reinforcing its commitment to a balanced ecosystem.

The visit to Château Couhins was very enriching, allowing partners to see novel approaches in action and take inspiration from the estate’s practices. The Bordeaux meeting marked a crucial step in advancing the AdvisoryNetPEST project’s mission, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable agricultural practices across Europe.

The post of the event is accessible here: AdvisoryNetPest_BordeuaxAnnualMeeting

Project website: https://advisorynetpest.eu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advisorynetpest/