Smartprotect Thematic Network

SmartProtect is a European thematic network focused on advancing sustainable vegetable crop protection through smart Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Bringing together universities, research institutes, agricultural organizations and technology partners, the project supports cross-regional knowledge sharing among farmers, advisors and other participants in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems. Its work connects precision-farming technologies and data analytics with practical approaches to managing pests and diseases in vegetable production.

SmartProtect develops a platform for sharing knowledge, identifies and benchmarks promising IPM practices, and provides farmers with accessible materials and guidelines. Its resources cover vegetable IPM, including approaches relevant to alliums, brassicas and tomatoes, alongside fact sheets, practice abstracts, project deliverables and other educational materials. The network also shares updates through news, newsletters, workshops, seminars and demonstrations. Activities have introduced farmers and technicians to advanced plant-protection methods, smart pest-management tools and techniques such as UV-based pest control and mobile applications for pest and disease detection. By linking innovation with practical guidance, SmartProtect aims to help users explore effective, technology-enabled IPM solutions.