European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Sustainable farming

  • Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus: Future Perspectives of Benefits in Sustainable Agriculture

    Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus: Future Perspectives of Benefits in Sustainable Agriculture

    The negative impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health has contributed to the introduction of legal regulations that ensure the reduction in the use of agrochemicals in favor of biological products.

    The existing review of the literature, including our research, clearly shows that the ideal biocontrol agents are Trichoderma fungi. The production of antibiotics, lytic enzymes degrading the cell walls of plant pathogens, or inducing a defense response in plants are just some of the features supporting the wide use of these microorganisms in sustainable agriculture.

    It is estimated that currently about 60% of biofungicides used to eliminate fungal pathogens are produced based on Trichoderma sp. strains.

    Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116434

    Reference:

    Kubiak, A., Wolna-Maruwka, A., Pilarska, A. A., Niewiadomska, A., & Piotrowska-Cyplik, A. (2023). Fungi of the Trichoderma Genus: Future Perspectives of Benefits in Sustainable Agriculture. Applied Sciences, 13(11), 6434.

  • Challenges and potential pathways towards sustainable agriculture within the European Green Deal

    Challenges and potential pathways towards sustainable agriculture within the European Green Deal

    While the European Green Deal sets ambitious goals for our food systems, the real challenge lies in turning these high-level policies into actual change on the ground. Agriculture is right at the heart of this plan, with strategies like “Farm to Fork” and the “Soil Strategy” aiming to create a more sustainable future for rural areas. Yet, despite these clear objectives, we are still quite far from an effective transition that relies on integrated, science-based solutions.

    This paper dives into the debate around these challenges, looking at how European policies can be applied in practice. By analyzing official documents and global data, it highlights how different environmental and social goals can work together, but it also identifies major roadblocks like reduced crop yields, higher demand for land, and the complexities of food waste and global access.

    To move forward, the study suggests blending two main approaches: one that focuses on eco-friendly production and another that emphasizes social justice and food sovereignty. Ultimately, transforming agriculture is more than just a technical fix; it requires a holistic approach that considers everything from culture and economics to local participation. True progress will only happen when we align our policies and recognize farmers not just as food producers, but as essential managers of our natural landscapes.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103634

    Reference:

    Boix-Fayos, C., & De Vente, J. (2023). Challenges and potential pathways towards sustainable agriculture within the European Green Deal. Agricultural Systems, 207, 103634.