Cyprus, as an island with limited natural resources, faces a series of challenges in its agricultural sector. Food security, environmental protection, and ensuring sustainable development require progressive solutions and strategies. In this context, Agrotech, as part of the “FoodE” program, has implemented a pivotal initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Cyprus.
Agrotech’s effort is focused on multiple fronts. Firstly, through the organization of training seminars and workshops for the presentation of new ideas, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to explore innovative approaches in agriculture. Participants received non-formal education and support for the implementation of their ideas, while Agrotech provided continuous guidance and support at every stage of the process.
Secondly, it encourages the creation of a collaboration network among farmers, experts, and research institutions, aiming at the exchange of ideas and the creation of innovative solutions for Cyprus’ agriculture. It maintains and supports this network.
Lastly, it promotes dialogue and participation of agricultural students and professionals in the broader primary sector, inviting them to express their ideas and contribute to the search for new sustainable practices, resulting in the creation of new perceptions with simultaneous support for the integration of new technology practices.
Overall, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in Cyprus is crucial for food security, environmental preservation, and enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. With Agrotech’s initiative and the FoodE program, Cyprus is at the forefront of promoting the agriculture of the future.
Crucial factor to the development and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and effective production is the engagement of all relevant actors in the AKIS system.
The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), provides, Up-to date and tailored information, Innovation Support, Regular knowledge exchange with national and international researchers and with CAP networks that collect and share innovative project results and create national or wider knowledge reservoirs that can benefit everyone in the AKIS ecosystem.
Its purpose is to, strengthen knowledge and innovation flows, it is essential to connect researchers, farmers and foresters, advisors, students at agricultural schools and others, through networking events, project collaboration, discussion groups, social media exchanges and on-farm demonstrations can all bring people together and boost knowledge exchange, sparking innovative solutions that are created together, widely shared, and ready to be taken up in the field.
Agrotech as an innovation broker acting within the AKIS framework, helps prepare a solid project proposal on which all actors of the operational group want to engage and agree that it will bring what they expect to be an innovative solution or opportunity. Through innovation brokering a good project plan is developed and has a better chance of passing a selection process for innovation projects with good results.
Encouraging Dialogue and Active Participation:
Agrotech promoted dialogue and participation among agricultural students and professionals in the agri-food sector. The expression of ideas and the contribution to the search for sustainable practices led to the adoption of new concepts and technologies.
Results:
The adoption of sustainable practices in Cyprus has already had tangible results:
- Reduced food loss: Significant reduction in food loss, now reaching around 15%.
- Environmental protection: Improved water management, soil conservation, and enhanced biodiversity.
- Improved food quality: Higher quality food, with beneficial effects on consumer health.
- Enhanced competitiveness: Increased competitiveness of Cypriot agricultural products on the international level.
Agrotech’s initiative, in collaboration with FoodE, has placed Cyprus at the forefront of adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Ensuring food security, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development of the agricultural sector are now attainable goals.