Mediterranean Partners Launch Breakthrough Nano-Biopesticide Initiative for Safer, Sustainable Agriculture
A powerful new alliance of Mediterranean researchers and innovators is launching a ground-breaking project, EONANOBIOPS, aimed at revolutionizing agricultural pest control through cutting-edge, eco-friendly technology. The three-year project seeks to develop biodegradable nano-biopesticides derived from essential oils to replace harmful synthetic pesticides in tomato cultivation.
The EONANOBIOPS project is a €2.7 million initiative co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, with an EU contribution covering approximately 89% of the total budget—equivalent to around €2.4 million.
“This project brings together science, innovation, and environmental stewardship. By transforming local plant resources into advanced pest solutions, we aim to empower farmers, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development across the Mediterranean,” said Prof. Munqez Shtaya, An-Najah National University
Key Goals and Expected Impacts:
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Development of EO-based nano-biopesticides with enhanced pest control performance and minimal ecological impact.
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Scale-up and commercialization of new biopesticide products through pilot production lines and business startup support.
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Capacity building and training for 400+ farmers, 80 aromatic plant growers, and 40 extension advisors across the partner countries.
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Improved food safety and reduced environmental contamination for over 250,000 consumers in the Mediterranean basin.
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Creation of jobs and green startups in agricultural biotechnology and essential oil value chains.
The EONANOBIOPS project is implemented by a multidisciplinary consortium of leading research institutions and industry stakeholders. The project is coordinated by the Biodiversity and Environmental Research Center (BERC) in Palestine and brings together prominent partners, including the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (Tunisia), the University of Catania (Italy), the Agricultural University of Athens and the National Technical University of Athens (Greece), An-Najah National University (Palestine), and World Bio Consultants (Tunisia).
Through transnational cooperation, the project aligns with the EU Green Deal, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, contributing directly to sustainable agriculture, circular bioeconomy, and innovation uptake in the Mediterranean.
“The contents of this press release are the sole responsibility of An-Najah National University and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures”.
For more information:
Website: https://www.interregnextmed.eu/projects/eonanobiops
Contact: Prof. Munqez Shtaya | Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 00970 599 800774
Follow us: #EONANOBIOPS #NextGenAgriculture #GreenPesticides #InterregNEXTMED #MADE4MED
