What we found out

Project objectives Tweet

The COMETA project aims to study and validate innovative low-input cropping systems suitable for cultivation in marginal and fragile areas of southern Italy, such as those at risk of erosion or desertification. The main objective is to develop non-food crops that can be transformed into bio-products useful for the agricultural and industrial sectors, using low impact green chemistry technologies. This project is important because it promotes the ecological redevelopment of territories in crisis, promoting the creation of virtuous agro-industrial sectors that generate environmental, social and economic benefits.

Foreseen activities

The 42-month COMETA project tested non-food crops (thistle, safflower, brassicaceae) in marginal areas, studying their plant fractions to produce innovative bio products. Feed, bioplastics, bio-lubricants, bioinsecticides and nutraceutical extracts have been produced and tested. The results have been disseminated through more than 20 publications, patents and initiatives for the development of new industrial sectors.

Project origin

The COMETA project was born from a public call of the MIUR, in the framework of the NRP 2015-2020, to enhance indigenous Mediterranean crops with advanced technologies of green chemistry. Coordinated by Novamont, involved scientific and technological partners such as BIOAGRITEST, CREA, CIHEAM Bari, ENEA and the University of Sassari.

There is no evidence of public consultation or co-design with farmers and local communities, suggesting that the definition phase was conducted mainly between research bodies and industry, potentially excluding some directly affected categories.

Beneficiaries

The PON COMETA project mainly benefits the agricultural and research sectors, involving agritech companies, research centres (CREA, UNISS, CIHEAM, ENEA) and public institutions. The less developed regions (Foggia, Caserta, Acireale, Bella) and those in the Centre-North (Rome) will benefit economically and in terms of employment. Consumers could also benefit indirectly from more sustainable products. However, the project does not appear to target vulnerable groups (women, young people, migrants) or sectors other than agriculture and research.

Context

The COMETA project was funded to study and validate innovative non-food cropping systems with low environmental impact, suitable for marginal soils, at risk of erosion and desertification, under-utilized, polluted and/or misused. The objective is to activate sustainable agro-industrial chains that can bring environmental, social and economic benefits to fragile territories of southern Italy.

The project funding is justified by the need to exploit local specificities through innovative agro-industrial sectors, ensure efficient use of resources, Provide new income opportunities for farmers and promote oilseed drylands of industrial interest, particularly suitable for marginal land. The project also aims to reduce nitrate pollution, control weed growth, limit risks of erosion and desertification, and improve soil characteristics.

Related projects include NOVACARDO, which studies the influence of thistle cultivation on soil fertility and the yield of durum wheat in crop succession. However, there is no mention of specific local public plans or strategies of which COMETA is a part.

Progress

The COMETA project, completed after 42 months, has developed innovative low-impact cropping systems using green chemistry in marginal areas of the Mezzogiorno. Coordinated by Novamont and funded by MIUR, it involved partners such as CREA, ENEA and the University of Sassari. Multi-purpose crops (thistle, safflower, brassicaceae) have been tested to produce bio-products such as bioplastics and bioinsecticides. The results are documented in publications and patents, contributing to the creation of sustainable agro-industrial sectors in central and southern Italy. In addition, we interviewed by video conference the referents of CREA-CI of Caserta, Luigi Morra, and of CREA-CI of Acireale, Nino Virzì, who provided us with illustrative material and detailed technical details of the project.

Results

The results of the COMETA project, as described in the document "Luigi Morra_Presentazione PON COMETA per Liceo Archimede.pdf", are as follows:
- Aim of the project: To study and validate innovative non-food cultivation systems, with low inputs and suitable to be cultivated in marginal areas, at risk of erosion/ desertification, under-used, polluted and/ or poorly used.
- Bioproducts obtained: animal feed, biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, biolubricants, biofuels for energy production, low-impact cosmetics, bio-stimulants and quality compost for agriculture, bio insecticides, nutraceutical and health extracts, green building panels.
- Impact: COMETA’s results have shown that Green Chemistry can be a strategic lever to enhance the specificity of territories and local skills and promote innovative models of agro-industrial development in fragile and crisis areas of southern Italy, with significant environmental, social and economic benefits.
- Processes and publications: The processes validated and developed within the project have been the subject of more than twenty publications and some patents.
In summary, the COMETA project has generated concrete and promising results in the field of green chemistry, with potential applications in different sectors and a particular focus on the exploitation of the territories of southern Italy.

Risks

Influence of environmental conditions: From the documents provided to us, it is noted that "The development of the crop, although 'rustic', is influenced by the availability of water and the associated availability of nitrogen. During drought years, plant density has been drastically reduced.". This highlights a vulnerability of the project to climatic conditions, with potential negative impacts on productivity in case of drought.

Investigation method

How was the information collected?

• Web research
• Interview with people responsible for the project's planning
• Interview with the users and/or final beneficiaries of the intervention
• Interview with people responsible for the project's implementation

Nino Virzì, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Cereals and Industrial Crops CREA-CI (Acireale). Luigi Morra, Senior Researcher at the CREA Cereal and Industrial Crops Research Centre (Caserta).

Main questions

1. Can you describe the different activities planned within the COMETA project and how the €599,160 was distributed among the various entities involved (University of Sassari, Novamont, Bioagri Test, ENEA, CIHEAM Bari, CREA)? In particular, we are interested in knowing which activities were carried out directly at the Acireale branch of CREA.

7. As a researcher, do you believe that similar projects could contribute to the development, enhancement, and revitalization of disadvantaged areas? Should they be promoted again in the future?

Main answers

1. "The funds mainly financed by the Ministry of Research were 4.619.650, the difference, we call it cofinancing, that is money that is part of the game but are our salary costs, Basically a sum of our costs that we put to work in the project." Doc. Luigi Morra
"We start from a logic of cultivation in which we want to safeguard the territory, so that desertification may promote the recovery of soil fertility, since this is the primary resource on which agricultural activity depends. If we lose the functionality that the soil gives us, we are really in trouble, so from the ground what comes out must be reused." Doc. Luigi Morra