European strawberry producers and exporters are betting on technological innovation to confront climate change

The Strawberry Contact Group, consisting of France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, is focusing on technological innovation and genetic research to mitigate the impacts of climate change on red fruit production, including strawberries and other berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The group emphasizes the importance of Agriculture 4.0 systems for efficient water and nutrient use, and the development of crop varieties that are resistant to water and heat stress. They are also advocating for equal market access within the EU and propose the creation of a European Zonal Registry for Phytosanitary Products to simplify registration processes. The recent meeting underscored the challenges faced by the industry, such as increased production costs, climatic adversities, and a decline in exports and planted hectares, with varying impacts on the strawberry campaigns of each country. The group's efforts also include collaborative advancements in the berry industry, highlighted by a visit to an exploitation farm and the Fataca Innovation Center (INIAV) in Odemira.