Sustainable greenhouses in the face of climate change

The climate change is severely affecting the agricultural sector, especially in Spain, where prolonged drought and high temperatures have significantly reduced yields of crops such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. Losses are as high as 40% in some areas, and a drop of 29% in cereal production and 30% in olive oil is expected. In the face of these challenges and growing global food demand, greenhouses present themselves as a key solution by allowing controlled food production under adverse conditions. However, there are challenges such as high energy consumption, intensive use of resources and the environmental impact of pesticides. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, together with sustainable practices such as biocontrol and the use of auxiliary fauna, are essential to reduce pesticide use and optimise resources. This transformation is vital for the future sustainability of intensive agriculture, fostering more efficient, resilient systems aligned with the objectives of the European Green Pact.

Objectives of the LIFE ACCLIMATE project

In response to the climate and environmental challenges faced by intensive agriculture, the project LIFE proposes an integrated solution that combines advanced technologies with sustainable greenhouse practices.

The main objective is to develop, demonstrate and replicate an innovative system that allows greenhouses to adapt to climate change, maintaining high production levels while reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. This proposal integrates digital technologies of the latest generation, such as the robotics and the artificial intelligence (AI), The use of sustainable agricultural strategies, such as biological pest control.

One of the main innovations is the use of autonomous aerial and ground robots, which will collect essential data on the state of the greenhouse and crops. This data, processed through AI-based predictive models, will facilitate accurate and efficient management.

Thanks to these solutions, a significant reduction in the use of fertilisers, the elimination of chemical pesticides and an optimisation of water and energy consumption are expected to be achieved, promoting a more sustainable agriculture without compromising crop yields.

DOMCA's Role

DOMCA, as a company with extensive experience in the research and valorisation of plant extracts for food preservation, animal nutrition and organic farming brings her knowledge in botanical extracts, especially in Alliaceae extracts and essential oils, which positions her as an expert in their application for the control of fungi and pests in the agri-food sector.

DOMCA plays a key role in the project, participating in several work packages (WP3, WP4 and WP5) focused on the redefinition of integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated disease management (IDM) strategies in greenhouses using biopesticides, promoting the reduction of chemical pesticides. In addition, it leads the implementation of these strategies in demonstrators in different greenhouses, evaluating their technical and economic feasibility. It also drives greenhouse replication and dissemination activities, training farmers on these innovative solutions and promoting their sustainable adoption.

Project partners and timeframe

The project has a duration of 4 years and runs from September 2024 to July 2028.

The LIFE ACCLIMATE project consortium consists of twelve partners. A multidisciplinary and specialised team ensures an efficient and coordinated implementation of the project.

This collaboration is strengthened by the complementarity of their scientific, technical and commercial capabilities.

The project is led by the University of Almeria as the coordinating body, with the participation of the Grupo Cajamar Foundation, the CTC technology centre, Innovalia, the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) and Plataforma Tierra, as well as the companies DOMCA, Alerion, Agrowingdata, Agrobio, Garaia and Acorde.

Those demonstrated are located in the greenhouses of the University of Almeria, Cajamar (El Ejido) and Garaia (Bilbao).

Project partners and timeframe

The project is coordinated by:

Jorge Antonio Sánchez Molina (University of Almería)
Director, International Projects Office
Email: jorgesanchez@ual.es

Oscar Rey (Innovalia)
Research and Innovation Project Manager
Email: orey@innovalia.org

LIFE Call

The project LIFE23-CCA-EN-LIFE-LIFE-ACCLIMATE is co-financed by the European Union through the Life programme under Grant Agrement number 101157315.

For more information about the project, visit the website or their social networks:

Project website: LIFE-ACCLIMATE - Cultivating Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Greenhouses to Enhance Yield and Resource Efficiency Project