1. Transfer of alternative technologies to the use of methyl bromide (MB) for soil disinfestation in China (2001-2003)

A cooperation project between SEPA and IMELS for the transfer of alternative technologies to the use of methyl bromide has been recently finalized. Implementation of project activities has been coordinated by AGROINNOVA in collaboration with CAAS and CAU. The technical feasibility and effectiveness of the most promising MB alternatives developed in Italy production have been evaluated on tomato and strawberry through experimental field trials in two different Chinese agricultural areas (Hebei and Shandong Provinces). AGROINNOVA, IMELS and SEPA keep on cooperating for the implementation of the “China MB National Phase Out Plan”, in the framework of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) of the Montreal Protocol. According to the Plan, co-financed by Italy through its annual contribution to the MLF, AGROINNOVA experts will assist China, under the supervision of the UNIDO, in phasing out the use of MB for soil fumigation in the horticultural sector.

  

2. Technology transfer and capacity building for sustainable agriculture (2003-2006)

Within a cooperation agreement between SEPA and IMELS, AGROINNOVA is coordinating a sustainable agricultural project in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. Demonstration field trials are carried out in collaboration with CRAES in order to demonstrate the technical feasibility of fertigation systems to reduce the usage of water for irrigation and the application of chemical fertilizers. Vegetables, corn and grape are the target crops. In collaboration with Novamont SpA, the use of biodegradable mulching films to minimise the problem of white pollution is demonstrated as well.

  

3. Modern techniques for the control of pests and diseases of horticultural crops (2004-2008)

AGROINNOVA and CAU, in collaboration with Italian firms and research centres developed a project with the aim to spread the modern techniques developed in Italy for the sustainable control of plant pests of diseases of horticultural crops. Implemented in the frame of the Framework Agreement between IMELS. ICE and the Board of the Dean of the Italian Universities (CRUI), the project focus on the use of biological products and resistant rootstocks as well as integrated pest management. Activities take place in Beijing and Italy.

 

4. Sustainable cropping system and technologies for the production of “green” agricultural products in Shanghai Chongming Island (2005-2007)

In the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between IMELS and the SEPB, AGROINNOVA and SAES are implementing a project for the diffusion of sustainable agriculture and organic farming systems in the production of vegetables and fruits in Chongming Island. The project will transfer innovative technology and know-how for preventing increasing of the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which has resulted in a serious problem of agricultural non-point source pollution, and for the remediation of soil salinisation problems. Quality, safety and marketing aspects of organic farming will be also covered during training and study activities.

 

5. Valorization of energetical and agronomical use of biomasses in an ecological italian style “Ecofarm” on Chongming Island (2006-2008)

In collaboration with SIIC Dongtan and Shanghai Academy for Environmental Science, AGROINNOVA is partner of Marco Polo Engineering SpA for the implementation of the feasibility study “Anaerobic digestion and composting of agricultural, urban and industrial wastes for the valorization of energetical and agronomical use of biomasses in an ecological italian style “Ecofarm” on Chongming Island” co-financed by the Italian Trade Commission and the Italian Ministry for Economic Development. The study aims to define the technical and economical specifics and requirements for the build up of an anaerobic digestor and a composting plant recycling agricultural, urban and industrial wastes for the production of biogas and high-quality compost in Dongtan, Chongming Island, Shanghai, according to the master-plan of the Island supported by local government and Arup.

6. Organic Farming: social, ethical, economical and technical issues (2006-2007)

In collaboration with CAU, the Zhejiang University, the Northeast Agricultural University, the Qinghai College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, and other three European agricultural universities (i.e. the University of Tuscia, Wageningen and Bonn), AGROINNOVA is coordinating the implementation of the project “Organic Farming: ethical, economical, technical and scientific aspects in a global perspective” co-financed by the European Commission within the Asia Link Program. The project aims to implement educational activities based on the European advanced experience, and to develop human resources in the Chinese organic farming context. The project consists of four major components: training courses/seminars for professors and researchers; international PhD programme for postgraduate students; summer school for young students; development of an international curriculum on organic farming. IMELS and ECOCERT-China take part to the project as associates providing assistance and logistics.

 

7. Tackling biosecurity between Europe and Asia: innovative detection, containment and control tools of Invasive Alien Species potentially affecting food production and trade (2007-2009)

In collaboration with Zhejiang University and CAAS in China, Rajamangala University of Technology Lannathe in Thailand, and other two European agricultural universities (i.e. the University of Lleida and Bonn), AGROINNOVA is coordinating the implementation of the project “Tackling biosecurity between Europe and Asia: innovative detection, containment and control tools of Invasive Alien Species potentially affecting food production and trade” co-financed by the European Commission within the Asia Link Programme – Phase II. The project aims to enhance scientific and technical knowledge of Asian faculty staff, senior experts and young researchers on IAS management and to develop proper technical tools and guidelines in support of the adoption of mutually recognised Standard Operating Procedures for IAS detection, containment and control. International mobility is a key issue for the project. The Centre for Management of Invasive Alien Species and the State Key Laboratory for Biology of plant disease and insect pests take part to the project as associates.

8. Training course on Environment management and Sustainable Development for executive cadres of public administrations and experts from private Chinese enterprises (2003 – continuing)

The program, totally financed by IMELS and implemented by VIU, is devoted to improve the environmental knowledge of Chinese decision makers and experts, who has a strategic role in designing measures and regulations for sustainable development promotion in China. It started in 2003 for 280 participants from MOST and CASS and extended in the following years to SEPA and the Beijing and Shanghai Municipalities for an estimated total number of more than 1000 participants. The training program is developed both in China and Italy; it foresees classes by Italian and international experts on Clean Development Mechanism; sustainable development; clean and renewable energies, eco-sustainable industrial development, sustainable agriculture. Since the launch of the training program, AGROINNOVA is collaborating in designing and coordinating the course modules as well as in providing expertise for lectures and activities focussing on agro-environmental issues.

9. PhD programmes and students exchange (2005 – continuing)

All cooperation activities carried out in China pay much attention to the establishment of joint programmes enabling long term exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate students. Under a cooperation agreement between the University of Torino, CASS and the CAU, Chinese postgraduate students and young researchers spend periods at AGROINNOVA for training and laboratory activities on sustainable methods of plant pest and disease control. The student mobility is financed by IMELS, MAP and MIUR. Internships in Italy for Chinese researchers are also foreseen by the cooperation project in Chongming Island (Shanghai) and the Asia Link Project. Eleven PhD students spent at least one-year in Agroinnova since 2006.

 

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