GOS ACCESO: Driving Sustainability in the European Agri-Food Sector
Sustainable agriculture has become a global priority to ensure food security and environmental protection through the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In this context, the GOS ACCESO project (Supra-regional Operational Groups for Access to Innovation and Sustainability in the Agri-Food Sector) emerges as a key initiative within the European Union. Its purpose is to support the transition of agri-food systems toward more sustainable and resilient models through collaboration between different regions and sector stakeholders.
The “GOS ACCESO” project aims to carry out trials on several crops (Industrial Tomato, Persimmon, Pear and Maize) to evaluate and demonstrate that ecoschemes integrating various sustainable and agroecological practices can improve agricultural productivity, plant and soil health, and the resilience of crops to challenges such as climate change and restrictions on the use of pesticides. GOS ACCESO addresses the promotion of ecoschemes through a multifactorial analysis of various practices proposed in four crops with very different agronomic challenges, and for which agronomic applications included in the catalogue of ecoschemes combined with precision agriculture and digitalization are selected. The test plots will be parameterized with a range of agronomic, economic and environmental indicators, which will be measured before undertaking the actions and upon completion of the agricultural cycle.
- Winter covers to improve soil structure and health,
- Flower strips to promote biodiversity and pollinators.
- Soil covers designed to promote natural predators of the pear Psylla pest, such as anthocorids.
- Direct maize sowing helps preserve soil structure and enhance water retention.
- Crop rotation with legumes improves soil fertility and boosts maize productivity.
- Cover crops enhance microbiological activity, resulting in soil with a lower inocculum of Mycosphaerella nawae fungus.
Our main goal is to encourage the adoption of Ecoschemes, including crops that are not bound by the CAP to adopt them, but that can obtain agroecological benefits and receive financial aid if they do so voluntarily.
What is GOS ACCESO and What is Its Purpose?
GOS ACCESO is an EU-funded project whose main goal is to improve access to innovation and knowledge in order to foster more sustainable agriculture. By creating Supra-regional Operational Groups (GOS), the project aims to connect farmers, researchers, companies, and other entities in the agri-food sector to share knowledge and develop practical solutions to address the current challenges in agriculture.
The main objectives of GOS ACCESO include:
- Promoting access to innovative technologies and practices to sustainably enhance agri-food production.
- Reducing dependence on chemical inputs, such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, by encouraging regenerative and ecological farming techniques.
- Facilitating cooperation among various stakeholders in agri-food to generate synergies that enhance resilience to environmental and economic challenges.
ZERYA and Its Alignment with GOS ACCESO
ZERYA is an organization committed to developing pesticide residue-free production systems, offering certifications and tools that ensure environmental sustainability and food safety. Its mission is to help producers implement good agricultural practices that reduce environmental impact without compromising food quality.
ZERYA’s vision is fully aligned with the goals of GOS ACCESO, as both promote responsible and sustainable farming practices. Through its work, ZERYA has developed production standards that enable farmers to reduce the use of chemical inputs and improve the biodiversity of their crops. Additionally, the organization collaborates with various European initiatives to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and more efficient agricultural practices.
Benefits of the Collaboration Between GOS ACCESO and ZERYA
The synergy between GOS ACCESO and ZERYA can bring numerous benefits to the agri-food sector. Some of the key advantages of this collaboration include:
- Development of new agricultural strategies based on research and innovation to improve productivity without compromising sustainability.
- Greater access to information and training for farmers, enabling them to apply more efficient and environmentally friendly farming techniques.
- Promotion of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems by encouraging the use of native varieties and regenerative farming methods.
- Boosting the certification of sustainable agricultural products, which can enhance producers’ competitiveness in the market and meet the growing consumer demand for organic foods.
- Reducing the environmental footprint of the agri-food sector, contributing to the fight against climate change and the protection of natural resources.
CAP Eco-Schemes for European Agriculture
The joint efforts of initiatives like GOS ACCESO and sustainability-focused organizations like ZERYA are essential for transforming the agri-food sector. Cooperation among farmers, scientists, businesses, and public administrations is key to moving toward a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally respectful production model.
As concern grows about the environmental impact of agriculture and food security, it is essential to continue supporting projects that promote innovation and sustainability. Thanks to initiatives like GOS ACCESO and organizations such as ZERYA, the European agri-food sector is making steady progress toward a more sustainable and healthier future for all.
-> Download Poster on English Version GOS Acceso Poster – Ecoschemes PAC 2025 – 2027
Project Name: Accessibility to Eco-Schemes with Optimized Solutions
Total Budget: €599,779.31
EU Co-funding: 80%
Project Duration: 3 years (05/2024 – 04/2027)
