Innovative Durum Wheat Genotypes for Sustainable Agriculture
The GO-FAR project aims to promote sustainable development of durum wheat cultivation in Emilia-Romagna and at a national level, through the identification of resilient genotypes and the adoption of innovative cultivation methods, based on DSS (Decision Support System) and intercropping, with reduced use of chemical inputs. The initiative integrates advanced genetic research, sensors and the concrete experience of farmers to protect and develop one of the strategic Made in Italy supply chains, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and environmental pressures.
The project-specific actions are:
- Innovative selection of genotypes (Action 1): identification of lines with resistance to key diseases (septoriosis, fusariosis, rust, mosaic virus) and with genetic characteristics that improve water and nitrogen use efficiency, followed by crosses to introduce useful genes in elite varieties.
- Field testing (Action 2 and 3): tests in experimental stations and partner farms of selected genotypes, evaluating the response to different fertilizations, biotic stresses and low input management, with the support of DSS for data collection and analysis.
- Regenerative agriculture and digitalisation (Action 4): integration of regenerative agriculture techniques with digital tools and collection of datasets to refine operational recommendations.
- Ethical and social sustainability (Action 5): measurement of the social impacts of environmental benefits, providing useful data for informed decisions and validated protocols.
GO-FAR makes available to the supply chain:
- Resilient durum wheat varieties suitable for reduced use of inputs, sustainable from an environmental, economic and social point of view;
- Calibrated DSS tools, to support agronomic decisions and optimise crop management;
- Increased professionalisation of farmers and an innovative collaborative model between public research, private enterprises, the seed industry and agricultural companies, promoting the concrete adoption of sustainable solutions.
Operational group is made up by 17 partners: Open Fields, Università di Bologna – Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agroalimentari, HORTA, Società Italiana Sementi (S.I.S.), Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard, Centoform, Soc. Agr. Vittori Venenti e Pastore (BO), Soc. Agr. Vittori Venenti Luca (BO), Marco Marabini (BO), Az. Manfrini Soc. Agr. (PR), Antigola Soc. Agr. (BO), Az. Agr. Paganini Enrico (PR), Eredità dal Passato (PR), Az. Ag. e Agriturismo L’Arco Antico di Rota Tullio (RE), Sogesta S.R.L. Soc. Agr. (RA), Società Agricola Porto Felloni Di Salvagnin L. & C. S.S. (FE) e Tugnoli Giulio (BO).
WEBSITE: https://www.gofar-er.it/
ROLE: Coordinator
DURATION: 36 months (from September 2024 to September 2027)
BUDGET: € 399.744,78
TOTAL CONTRIBUTE: € 360.839,94
FUNDING PROGRAM: Complemento di programmazione per lo sviluppo rurale 2023-2027 – Intervento SRG01
