Integrated pest management and agricultural innovation: spotlight on the SUPPORT project at MACFRUT 2026
A technical meeting in Rimini brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainable integrated pest management strategies, with a focus on the onion supply chain and European policies.
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the technical meeting dedicated to the SUPPORT project will take place at Spazio Ri.nova (Hall D5, Stand 021) during Macfrut 2026 at the Rimini Expo Centre. The event will focus on co-creating innovative strategies for sustainable and competitive integrated pest management.
Moderated by Maria Grazia Tommasini from RI.NOVA, the meeting represents an important opportunity for dialogue among researchers, industry players, and institutions on the future of crop protection. The discussion will center on the contribution of the SUPPORT project to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices, with particular attention to the onion supply chain.
The program includes contributions from CREA researchers Andrea Sturla (Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy) and Simona Fabroni (Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops), as well as experts from sector organizations. Key topics will include the role of integrated pest management in enhancing agricultural sustainability, the perspective of producers on the European Commission’s proposed “Food and Feed Simplification Package” regarding the simplification of plant protection product regulations, and the introduction of innovative tools such as the IPM Monitoring Tool, designed to support decision-making and assess the impact of different crop protection strategies.
Significant attention will also be given to future scenarios and field experiences, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in adopting new techniques within the onion supply chain. The perspectives of regional Plant Health Services on promoting sustainable crop management within the framework of the SUPPORT project will further enrich the discussion.
The meeting thus represents a key moment to foster dialogue among all actors in the supply chain and to contribute to the development of recommendations for future European agricultural policies.
Click here to register for the event by April 20, 2026: https://forms.gle/ZccUZizWmD7m7FS16