On September 7th, the second webinar of the “MICROCLIMATT Operational Group: Microalgae for Productive and Sustainable Agriculture” was held. The event, which saw the participation of nearly 200 professionals from the agrifood sector, served to showcase the most recent advancements of this innovative project. Biostimulants act on plant physiology in different ways and through various pathways to enhance crop vigor, yield, and quality of harvests. The MICROCLIMATT project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative biostimulant solutions derived from microalgae to efficiently combat the effects of climate change on vital crops such as tomatoes and wheat. To achieve this, it is conducting demonstrative trials on increasing carbon fixation, resistance to water stress, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.
Additionally, two more presentations from Operational Groups that are also being developed in the context of the 2020 Call for Projects of General Interest by Operational Groups of the European Association for Innovation in Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability were made.
The SUBALMA Operational Group focuses its work on improving the productivity and sustainability of subsurface drip irrigation systems that utilize waste from oil mills as fertilizer through the use of nanobubbles. SUBALMA innovates in the sustainability of irrigation systems by enhancing current techniques for applying circular economy practices. The core of the project is to promote these strategies by investing in models that are more efficient in resource use, which producers can adopt to achieve agriculture that is more resilient to climate change. The olive oil sector is a strategic sector in Spain, and G. O. Subalma offers an alternative to introduce new techniques in the production value chain and leverage the European push to navigate the paths of circularity within the sustainability framework.
On its part, the PROTEINLEG Operational Group aims to develop high-quality food proteins through the sustainable production and processing of legume crops. In line with the current trend towards healthier and more environmentally friendly foods for both human and animal consumption, PROTEINLEG will use legume crops as a basis to develop new sources of plant-based foods rich in protein that are healthy, tasty, and appealing. The varieties of legumes used will be cultivated in an innovative, profitable, and resource-efficient manner through the use of optimized and sustainable production and processing methods.
Agriculture occupies a unique position at the center of society, the environment, and the economy, such that the MICROCLIMATT, SUBALMA, and PROTEINLEG Operational Groups share the same goal and develop projects that enhance agriculture, making it more efficient and resilient to climate change in a way that aligns with the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union.
About AlgaEnergy
AlgaEnergy is a biotechnology-based company specializing exclusively in the microalgae sector. The company consolidates the extensive knowledge present in Spain in the science of microalgae, generated by universities and other research centers over the past five decades. With a strong investment in R&D, it has established itself as the international reference in this field. AlgaEnergy’s mission is to develop and commercialize innovative and high-quality solutions based on microalgae, aimed at addressing specific needs in various industries.
About IBVF
The Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Photosynthesis (IBVF) is a Mixed Center of the University of Seville and the CSIC, aimed at studying the biology of photosynthetic organisms responsible for the primary production of organic matter and oxygen in the biosphere. A uniqueness that distinguishes IBVF from other centers in the field of biotechnology and plant biology is its approach to studying phototrophic biology in all its complexity, that is, using all types of photosynthetic organisms (cyanobacteria, microalgae, and plants). Scientific activity at IBVF focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of photosynthetic organisms, as well as on ‘omics’ techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and big data analysis.
About CEBAS
The CEBAS-CSIC aims to contribute, through research, to generate the necessary knowledge to develop strategies for achieving the sustainability of fragile resources in semi-arid areas, managing them correctly and making possible the development of quality agriculture and the production of healthy and safe plant-based foods in that environment. The research conducted will help address issues such as water scarcity, provide a better environment (reduction of greenhouse effects, conservation of soil and vegetation, as well as organic matter and carbon), thereby ensuring sustainable, intelligent agriculture that is adapted to climate change, with the capacity to mitigate it.
About IMIDRA
The Madrid Institute for Research and Rural, Agrarian and Food Development (IMIDRA) is the public research agency of the Community of Madrid responsible for carrying out R&D actions and supporting innovation in the primary sector and its associated industry. It has 8 farms and facilities to implement R&D, pilot projects and demonstration activities, provide analysis services, disseminate and showcase its results, offer training, and facilitate the transfer of R&D results. In MicroClimatt, it participates through the Agro-Food R&D Department.
About ASAJA
Asaja (Asociación Agraria Jóvenes Agricultores) was established in 1989 as a result of the merger agreement of CNAG, CNJA, and UFADE. It is a professional agricultural organization in Spain, with over 850 offices spread throughout the National territory. It has a National Headquarters located in Madrid, 15 Regional Centers, 40 provincial offices, and 810 local offices, in addition to a permanent representation office in Brussels. Asaja is constituted for the representation, management, defense, and promotion of the professional interests of the agricultural sector in general and of its member organizations with full legal personality and subject to strictly democratic principles. As a national organization with a general vocation, it integrates all branches of agricultural activity in its agricultural, livestock, forestry use, environmental management, and hunting activity modalities. The national office is composed of a technical department (each specialized in a specific subject), a labor-tax department, a communication department, and a training department.
About BIOVEGEN-Plant Biotechnology Technological Platform is a public-private association currently composed of 152 members (companies and research/technological centers) working in agrobiotechnology innovation. The objective of BIOVEGEN is to promote R&D+i activities in collaboration between science and industry, offer R&D management services, and facilitate the business development of its members through plant innovation. BIOVEGEN is supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
“Content Responsible: MICROCLIMATT Operational Group”