This European project aims to revolutionise agricultural sustainability by applying an innovative monitoring system based on biocompatible sensors directly integrated inside the plant stem. This system allows to assess the stress level of crops and predict their productivity under agrivoltaic systems. Agrivoltaic systems, the co-location of agricultural activities and solar energy production, offer promising solutions for soil optimisation and renewable energy generation. However, understanding the impact of agrivoltaic systems on crops health, productivity and quality remains crucial for their large-scale deployment.

In collaboration with key partners from the Energy sector, the Italian startup is looking for two farms, one possibly located in Italy and the other one in another EU country to join the project. The two farms are expected to act as testbeds for testing agri-voltaic systems. The project will conduct in-depth monitoring and analysis of the same cultivations (e.g. orange/lemon orchards, vineyards, olive groves, or others) in different geographical regions. Using the sensors developed by the startup, the project aims to provide real-time insights into the stress levels of the analysed crops under agrivoltaics systems, enabling proactive management strategies to optimise their productivity and quality.

The project s multidisciplinary approach integrates expertise in agronomy, renewable energy, data analysis and technology development. Through extensive field trials and data collection, the project will clarify the effects of agrivoltaic systems on crop performance under contrasting climatic conditions. By comparing the results obtained in the two farms (which must be located in different countries) the project aims to identify regions with different suitability for agrivoltaic practices, contributing to strategic land-use planning and sustainable agriculture in Europe.
Key objectives of the project include:
1. Implement the innovative sensors developed by the startup in agrivoltaic systems to monitor crop stress levels.
2. Develop predictive models for predicting crop productivity and quality based on the sensors’ data.
3. Conduct field trials and data analysis in the chosen farms to assess regional variations.
4. Collaborate with farms to validate the effectiveness of the sensors in optimising agro-forestry practices.
5. Disseminate project results to stakeholders and policy makers to promote sustainable agricultural solutions integrated with renewable energy.

Through this project, the partners aim to improve the understanding of agrivoltaic systems and their impact on crop health and productivity, while promoting innovation in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy integration.

The ideal partner is a farm of at least 50 hectares, that produces for example olive groves, vineyards, orange or lemon groves (or similar fruit trees). Producers of small-plants fruits are not eligible because the developed sensors are not suitable for smaller plants or bushes.
The role of the partner is to act as a testbed for the developed solution (sensors and system), in order to assess the impact of agrivoltaic installations of crop health and productivity. The partner should have know-how of agronomic and cultivation and be open to monitor and evaluate the quality of the product obtained under the agrovoltaic system.
Advantages and innovation
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The ideal partner is a farm of at least 50 hectares, that produces for example olive groves, vineyards, orange or lemon groves (or similar fruit trees). Producers of small-plants fruits are not eligible because the developed sensors are not suitable for smaller plants or bushes.
The role of the partner is to act as a testbed for the developed solution (sensors and system), in order to assess the impact of agrivoltaic installations of crop health and productivity. The partner should have know-how of agronomic and cultivation and be open to monitor and evaluate the quality of the product obtained under the agrovoltaic system.

Framework program
Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials
Call title and identifier
LIFE - Climate Change Adaptation
Submission and evaluation scheme
Anticipated project budget
Coordinator required
Yes
Deadline for EoI
16/08/2024
Deadline of the call
17/09/2024