AGRO_LESS

Agroless

“AGRO_LESS – Joint reference strategies for rural activities of reduced inputs.”

 

The overall objective of the AGRO_LESS project (B3.11.02)project is the adoption of a strategic reference framework in a cross-border region for the support of the rural population in the application of reduced input agriculture driven through the practices of agricultural activities (fertilization, irrigation and crop protection) leading to reduced impact of agro-products on the environment and maximizing the product quality of agricultural goods. This strategic plan will provide an insight knowledge into the farming operations, in terms of physical, technical, economical and financial capabilities. Opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of the business will be identified, and the intervention role of reduced input agriculture in reducing threats or exploiting opportunities will be determined in detail.

Opportunities created by the technology such as possibility of efficient use of inputs and differentiation can be exploited. The specific objectives of the project are:

  1. The establishment of common guidelines and methodologies for the implementation of reduced input agriculture in both countries.
  2. The use and implementation of modern technology for encouraging Good Agricultural Practices on the areas.
  3. Pilot implementation of operations for future use and evaluation for the rural population of the cross border region.
  4. Increase in product quality.

The Project’s expected benefits include, through the implementation of reduced inputs practices, farmers comply with the legislative rules of the European Union concerning environmental issues increase in product quality through a certified path of production.

The partnership of the project consists of:

  • Region of Central Macedonia as Lead partner, Greece,
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece,
  • Interbalkan Environment Center, Greece,
  • Decentralised Administration of Macedonia and Thrace, Greece,
  • Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece,
  • Haskovo Regional Administration, Bulgaria,
  • Lyubiments Municipality, Bulgaria,
  • Region with administrative center city of Kardzhali,  Bulgaria,
  • University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

 

The duration of the Project is 22 months (31/12/2013 – 30/09/2015) and its total budget is 3.377.584,44 €. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national funds of Greece and Bulgaria.