Climate change is seriously impacting the agricultural sector, especially in Spain, where prolonged drought and high temperatures have significantly reduced the yields of crops such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Losses reach up to 40% in some areas, and a decrease of 29% in cereal production and 30% in olive oil is expected.

In response to these challenges and the growing global demand for food, greenhouses present a key solution by enabling controlled food production under adverse conditions. However, there are challenges such as high energy consumption, intensive resource use, and the environmental impact of pesticides.

The adoption of advanced technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, alongside sustainable practices like biocontrol and the use of beneficial insects, is essential to reduce pesticide use and optimize resources. This transformation is vital for the future sustainability of intensive agriculture, promoting more efficient, resilient systems aligned with the goals of the European Green Deal.

In response to the climate and environmental challenges faced by intensive agriculture, the LIFE project proposes a comprehensive solution that combines advanced technologies with sustainable practices in greenhouses.
The main objective is to develop, demonstrate, and replicate an innovative system that enables greenhouses to adapt to climate change while maintaining high production levels and reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.
This proposal integrates cutting-edge digital technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), with sustainable agricultural strategies, such as biological pest control.
One of the main innovations is the use of autonomous aerial and ground robots that will collect essential data on the greenhouse environment and crop conditions. This data, processed through AI-based predictive models, will enable precise and efficient management.
Thanks to these solutions, a significant reduction in fertilizer use, elimination of chemical pesticides, and optimization of water and energy consumption is expected, promoting more sustainable agriculture without compromising crop yields.

DOMCA, a company with extensive experience in researching and developing plant extracts for food preservation, animal nutrition, and organic agriculture, contributes its expertise in botanical extracts, particularly Allium extracts and essential oils. This positions the company as a specialist in their application for the control of fungi and pests in the agri-food sector.

Within the project, DOMCA plays a key role, participating in several work packages (WP3, WP4, and WP5) focused on redefining integrated pest (IPM) and disease (IDM) management strategies in greenhouses through the use of biopesticides, promoting a reduction in chemical pesticide use.

Additionally, it leads the implementation of these strategies in demonstration greenhouses, evaluating their technical and economic feasibility. DOMCA also drives replication activities in other greenhouses and leads dissemination efforts, training farmers on these innovative solutions and promoting their sustainable adoption.

The project spans four years, running from September 2024 to July 2028.
The LIFE ACCLIMATE consortium is composed of twelve partners. This multidisciplinary and specialized team ensures efficient and coordinated project implementation.
The collaboration is strengthened by the complementary scientific, technical, and commercial capabilities of the partners.
The project is coordinated by the University of Almería and includes the participation of Fundación Cajamar, the technological center CTC, Innovalia, the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), and Plataforma Tierra, as well as the companies DOMCA, Alerion, Agrowingdata, Agrobio, Garaia, and Acorde.
The demonstration sites are located in the greenhouses of the University of Almería, Cajamar (El Ejido), and Garaia (Bilbao).

The LIFE programme of the European Union is the main funding instrument for environmental, climate action, and clean energy transition projects. Its objective is to support the development and implementation of European policies and legislation in these areas by promoting innovative and sustainable solutions.
Since its inception in 1992, LIFE has co-financed thousands of projects, supporting biodiversity protection, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and energy transition.
This highly competitive call places special emphasis on the replicability, sustainability, and long-term impact of initiatives, promoting collaboration among public entities, companies, research centers, and non-profit organizations across Europe.

Reference: LIFE23-CCA-ES-LIFE-ACCLIMATE/101157315
Acronym: LIFE23-CCA-ES-LIFE ACCLIMATE
Starting date: 01/09/2024
End Date: 31/07/2028
Total budget: 4,468,538 €
Funding EU: 2,681,123 €