The Organic fruit sector is highly dependent on inputs, particularly in terms of plant protection. Climate change is increasing impacts and risks to organic fruit production. Large market demand is expanding for organic fruits but the current commercial cultivars (cvs) range previously selected in high input paradigm are, for most of them, not adapted to organic production. InnOBreed proposes to mobilise Innovative Solutions (ISs): social innovations, new ideotypes, new methods for screening robust cvs and genitors with larger genetic bases for fostering organic fruit breeding. These ISs will be targeted and developed on participative, multi-actor and multi-trait based approaches and then applied for evaluating underutilized Fruit Tree Genetic Resources (FTGR), pre-breeding and advanced material. InnOBreeds scope encompasses many Rosaceous species but also citrus and grape. InnOBreed aims to improve the whole Fruit chain through the implementation of an Organic Variety Testing Network of actors. It deals with (i)identification and definition of current lock-in in organic fruit farming systems (OFS),(ii) co-designing new ideotypes fitting with local OFS,(iii)identification of performant IS already available, (iv)development of new climate change ISs but also for fruit quality, pests and diseases tolerance, low input fitness and robustness, and their application by FTGR curators,(v) ISs validation process and implementation by several public-private case-studies in different regions for evaluating their efficiency , and (vi)checking sustainability and consistency with actual regulations before being disseminated for maximizing IS impacts on the value chain.InnOBreed is deeply connected with running initiatives, programmes and resources involved in OFS, organic fruit participative and classical breeding, fostering FTGR uses by fruit-chain, scientists and stakeholders. Particular attention will be paid to embed the relevant stakeholders at national and European levels.

The BioClima project, enhanced by EU-China collaboration, aims to revolutionise biodiversity and climate monitoring by merging advanced AI with ground and remote sensing data systems for deeper terrestrial ecosystem insights. It will develop harmonised monitoring systems across the EU and China, leveraging AI to refine data models and analytical pipelines for robust policy-making. The project is set to strengthen monitoring through Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), and make synergies between biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation. BioClima is designed to support policy-making with scientific insights and recommendations for integrated climate and biodiversity strategies at national and international levels. Through case studies across Europe, the project's findings will be upscaled to inform EU-wide strategies, contributing to climate neutrality, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation efforts. BioClima supports EuropaBON's goals for standardised biodiversity monitoring, enhancing data integration, and fostering international cooperation. BioClima anticipates significant increases in monitoring coverage, accuracy in biodiversity and climate change assessments, and the implementation of nature-based solutions. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen EU-China cooperation, enhancing global environmental monitoring, conservation strategies, and policy formulation.

The EU is the leading region for the production of organic fruits, with a rapidly expanding production and a demand for organic products which grows every year. However, at the same time, the amount and value of organic imports from outside the EU is increasing. For organic fruit farmers in the EU this poses a challenge to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. In addition, organic fruit growing is a very demanding farming activity. This is because, the sector faces specific problems that cannot be solved using conventional approaches based on the use of synthetics substances. As organic fruit growers cannot rely on synthetic inputs, many of them have, on a local level, developed competitive strategies to improve plant health. Moreover, there is considerable research on improving organic fruit growing systems. The problem, however, is that this knowledge is not easily accessible to farmers all over Europe and remains either locally known or only available in the scientific sphere. The sector is in need of a network focused on organic fruit production that bridges the gap between science and practice and makes locally found solutions available to other fruit growers in Europe. Therefore, the specific objectives of BioFruitNet are: 1) Collect and synthesize existing knowledge ready for practise, 2) Create a stable European innovation network, 3) Strengthen established networks, 4) Widely distribute solutions, 5) Extend the Organic Farm Knowledge Platform. To achieve these objectives, we will first carry a thorough mapping exercise to find relevant networks at national level in partner countries and beyond (WP1). Then, compile all existing practical and scientific knowledge relevant to organic fruit farmers (WP2) and select the best practices (WP3). We will then focus on adapting and translating all best practices in an easy-to-understand format like practice abstracts (WP4) and disseminate the information through high impact channels (WP5).