1

Why the project matters

The agrifood sector in the Mediterranean region confronts two main challenges: climate change vulnerability, and lack of Research and Development (R&D) investment and market efficiency. The region is highly vulnerable due to factors such as overexploitation, scarcity of natural resources, and unsustainable production patterns. The agrifood sector faces significant losses in product and productivity each year because of prolonged dry periods followed by heavy rain and to enhance resilience and innovations in protected horticulture is crucial. The lack of investments in R&D within agriculture, untapped research-enterprise connections, and susceptibility to market fluctuations in food commodity prices pose significant challenges. General problems, including inadequate investments and policies for rural areas, demographic trends, and socioeconomic disparities, further threaten the region’s future (PRIMA, FAO, JRC, COST).

2

What it aims to achieve

• To establish a transnational network to adopt eco-innovative solutions for protected horticulture in the Mediterranean, focusing on water, energy, and nutrient efficiency, thus promoting collaboration among academia, industry, government, and civil society to align strategies for sustainable agricultural practices.
• To enhance the capacity of farmers, technicians, and entrepreneurs through training, creating a skilled workforce capable of implementing sustainable practices and advanced technologies in greenhouse food production.
• To foster resilience in the agri-food sector by testing and scaling technologies to mitigate climate change, market fluctuations, and resource scarcity. This includes developing tailored business models for sustainable horticulture that ensure market feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

3

Expected change

• Agri-Cluster Alliance created: over 300 researchers, professionals, institutions, and horticultural companies from Greece, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Türkiye will collaborate to enhance agronomic and technological expertise among MSMEs and bridge the gap between research and agricultural companies along the value chain.
• Increased capacity development in the agrifood sector: Training programs for at least 150 technicians and agronomists, along with coaching for MSMEs adopting PROTECHMED solutions, will strengthen the workforce and support the adoption of sustainable practices.
• Adoption of PROTECHMED Solutions: A minimum of 40 organizations will pledge to adopt and implement 5 solutions in the agro-industry sector, contributing to water and energy efficiency and enhancing capacity toward a sustainable model for protected horticulture, creating a transnational Alliance across Mediterranean countries.

4

What the project delivers

• Repository of Best Practices for Sustainable Horticulture providing reference solutions and methodologies for eco-innovative greenhouse management.
• Inception Camp in Sicily enabling transnational exchange and stakeholder engagement to identify shared challenges and opportunities.
• Training and Coaching Programme to support the adoption of PROTECHMED solutions among agronomists, technicians, and SMEs.
• Establishment of the PROTECHMED Alliance, a transnational agri-cluster connecting key actors across the Mediterranean region.
• Upgrading, testing, and validation of 5 innovative greenhouses to showcase eco-efficient technologies and practices.
• Development of the PROTECHMED Business Model tailored for horticultural SMEs to foster sustainable and competitive growth.

5

Who benefits

• 2 Universities/Research centers per country active in pilots, training, and digital transformation.
• 2 Higher Education Institutes per country involved in visits, Info Days, and demonstrations.
• 10 professionals, agronomists, and horticultural experts per country in training and Living Lab.
• 40 SMEs (producers, consortia, associations) engaged in audits and knowledge exchange.
• 10 public institution staff per country involved in strategies, RoadMap, and Action Plan.
• 20 technical staff from horticulture and agri-tech companies per country benefit from training and models.
• 1 NGO per country leverages Business Models for other projects.
• 250 Citizens per country gain awareness through communication materials and pilots.