EU-project CO-FREE: Innovative strategies for copper-free low input and organic farming systems

In January 2012 the EU-project CO-FREE (grant agreement number 289497) was launched. The project is focussed on the development of innovative strategies for replacement of copper in European organic and low input fruit, grapevine, potato, and tomato production systems. CO-FREE focuses on the most copper-relevant diseases, including Venturia inaequalis, Plasmopara viticola and Phytophthora infestans. The duration of the project is from January 2012 to June 2016. The multidisciplinary consortium of the project consists of 21 partners, including 11 academic and 10 industry (all small and medium enterprises) partners from 11 European countries. The project follows a construction kit system consisting of different tools, such as alternative compounds, decision support systems, disease tolerant varieties and cropping systems. Research on fundamental aspects is combined with field testing and horizontal activities regarding socio-economic and ecological impacts of the strategies. More information on the project can be found under www.co-free.eu