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The Province of Limburg is investing in smart agricultural technology and sustainable food together with Europe. Together, the international innovation projects LEAF and SENSUPPLANTPRO will receive over €2.8 million in European ERDF funding through the Interreg Germany-Netherlands programme. In addition, the Province of Limburg is contributing over €220,000. In the projects, Limburg knowledge institutions, companies and healthcare partners work together on innovations for sustainable agriculture and horticulture, healthy food and a strong regional economy. Those involved include Maastricht University, Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo, Botany, Whysor and VieCuri.
"The pressure on agriculture and food production is increasing due to climate change, population growth and the growing demand for sustainable food. Says agriculture deputy Jasper Kuntzelaers. ''In this Dutch-German cooperation, Limburg entrepreneurs and knowledge institutes are developing technology to intervene earlier in drought and disease in plants and use water and energy more efficiently. They are also working on healthier and tastier plant protein products. In this way, together we are building a future-proof food system in which farmers can do business, with an eye for people, nature and business."
Earlier to see what plants need
The LEAF project is developing smart sensor technology that allows growers to measure how healthy their crops are in real time. This allows them to respond to drought, disease or nutritional deficiencies even before visible symptoms appear. This helps entrepreneurs use water, energy and crop protection more efficiently. Maastricht University is leading the project. Botany B.V. is testing the technology in practice on tomato, cucumber and strawberry crops, among others. Technology company Whysor B.V. is developing the digital platform for processing the sensor data.
Healthy and tasty plant proteins
Demand for plant-based food is growing, but taste and nutritional value remain important to consumers. Within SENSUPPLANTPRO, companies, researchers and healthcare institutions are therefore working together to develop healthy and tasty plant protein products. In doing so, the project contributes to sustainable nutrition and the development of new vegetable protein sources. Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo and VieCuri are also contributing to this.
This project was co-financed by the European Union (ERDF) within the Interreg VI-A Germany-Netherlands programme.