Native and alien pests in agriculture and forestry
Specific challenge: Native and alien pests[1] cause increasing yearly losses to agriculture and forestry and plant production costs. Invasive alien species and new pests and diseases impact negatively on native species (e.g. outcompete), affect food chains, change biodiversity patterns and disrupt terrestrial ecosystems (including inland water bodies) and landscapes, with further impacts on economic and recreational activities. Climate change is expected to favour the permanent establishment of many alien pests and change the distribution of already established pests. The prevention of the entry, establishment and spread of new alien pests is regulated by the Directive 2000/29/EC. More environmental friendly approaches in pest and disease control are sought, in line with the Directive 2009/128/EC. Given the high costs associated with the prevention/controlling of pests and invasive alien species and the reduction of their environmental impacts, there is a need to further develop integrated mechanisms of response measures (practical solutions), ranging from prevention of entry to novel Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
Scope: Proposals should address one of the following issue (A):
A. [2014] Native and alien pests in agriculture and forestry
Proposals should address threats for both the agricultural (including horticulture) and forestry sectors. A number of native and/or alien pests and invasive alien species causing (or having high potential to cause) significant economic losses, having a large environmental impact and therefore posing a major threat for Europe, should be tackled. Advanced solutions for pests (including weeds) and invasive alien species prevention and management, utilising the latest plant health measures and technologies with biological and integrated approaches should be sought. While the centre of gravity should be R&D activities, the technical and economic feasibility as well as the industrial relevance of the proposed technologies and mechanisms should be proven through relevant demonstration activities. In line with the objectives of the EU strategy for international cooperation in research and innovation, proposals are encouraged to include participants established in third countries experiencing the same problems (including trade partners)[2]. Involvement of industry (including SMEs) to translate the finding into marketable products or services is required. Active dissemination towards end-users is expected. Proposals should fall under the concept of 'multi-actor approach'[3].
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of EUR 7 million for (A) would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
Expected impact:
Effective solutions for the prevention and management of pests and invasive alien species;
Scientific support to the development of relevant EU policies;
Significant economic gains/avoided losses for the European agriculture and forestry [A] and European and Chinese agriculture [B];
Increased product quality and lower environmental impact (e.g. lower level of chemicals, less new pests)
Development of science-based tools for developing strategies for improving the productivity and resilience of agriculture and forestry in the context of changing environmental conditions
Impact on a range of agricultural and forestry production and risk management practices
Type of action: Research and innovation actions
[1] Any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products (ISPM No5, International Standards for Phytosanitary Terms 2010; FAO, 1990, revised FAO, 1995; IPPC, 1997)
[2] This is without prejudice to the general rules on the funding of legal entities from third-countries, as set in part A of the annex to the work programme.
[3] See definition of 'multi-actor approach' in footnote 1 in the introduction of this Work Programme part.