News

3PRO-TROODOS Findings on Sensor-based Irrigation Decision Support Discussed at the 2023 European Geosciences Union Assembly

April 2023

The poster entitled "Can soil moisture sensors support smart irrigation decision making in mountain terrace agriculture" was presented by Prof. Adriana Bruggeman at the European Geosciences Union Assembly in Vienna (April 2023), where she discussed the findings on irrigation scheduling support in terraced fruit-tree fields as part of the 3PRO-TROODOS project. The poster was part of a session on "the irrigation challenges to cover social issues in the XXI century". Both the oral and poster sessions featured lively questions and discussions on field and lab technologies as well as modelling applications for optimizing irrigation.

Link to the abstract: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu23-16607

Scientific Publication of 3PRO-TROODOS Researcher on the Traditional Uses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Troodos

Sustainable Future of Agricultural Production and Processing in the Troodos Mountains at the Heart of Final Public Event of 3PRO-TROODOS

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

With a look ahead at the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the Troodos Mountains, and the need to adapt to climate change, the 3PRO-TROODOS consortium organized its final public event on Wednesday, 15^th of February 2023. The meeting was kindly hosted by the Galata Community Council.

At his welcoming speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr. Andreas Gregoriou, highlighted the role of research and smart technologies, and the necessity for farm education on digital skills. The President of Troodos Development Company, Mr. Xenakis Xenophontos noted the important outcomes of 3PRO-TROODOS and the need for research to continue supporting the transition of mountain farming with new, similar projects.

CyI Assoc. Prof. Adriana Bruggeman, and coordinator of the project presented the overview of 3PRO-TROODOS. The project aimed to improve agricultural production and food processing in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, through social innovation, sustainable natural resource management and climate change adaptation. One of the main challenges that the Troodos Mountains is facing, other than the reduction of agricultural land use due to abandonment, is the impact of climate change on water resources. High-resolution climate and hydrologic models indicate that an 11% decrease in average annual rainfall and a 2^oC increase in temperature could result in 7-13% increase in field-based irrigation water demand in Troodos in the near future. These climate changes could also result in a 30% decrease in surface water resources for 2030-2060, relative to the 1980-2010 reference period, as reported by The Cyprus Institute researcher, Ioannis Sofokleous.

The ethnobotanical survey on the use medicinal and aromatic plants in Troodos, undertaken by the Agricultural Research Institute, revealed a deep connection between local people and plants. The study led to the inscription of this distinct cultural element of Troodos to the 2022 UNESCO National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as noted by research officer Constantina Stavridou. The cultivation of two local oregano species, was also tested in a field experiment, as explained by Dr. Andreas Savvides. Using smart irrigation technologies and deficit irrigation during spring, researchers managed to achieve an increased yield of essential oil without affecting the biomass produced, while saving water.

Smart technologies with soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling was one of the innovative outcomes of 3PRO-TROODOS. The Argus Agro System developed and tested in the project by Sigint Solutions in collaboration with The Cyprus Institute, as explained by Mr. George Michalis, consists of a solar-powered logger and a web-based data analysis and visualization platform that provides real-time information and irrigation advice to farmers. This technology can help farmers to safe 10-30% of irrigation water. Another innovation that was assessed in the project was the use of protective nets.

The Agricultural Researcher Institute officer, Dr. Sotiroula Ioannidou, highlighted that the field experiments in 3PRO-TROODOS have shown that protective nets can result in better performing orchards with higher productivity and improved fruit quality. Christos Agathokleous from Nikis Sweets LTD in Agros showed the potential for food processing innovations for Troodos and presented the audience with delicious dried apple slices, developed during the project.

Apart from technological innovations, 3PRO-TROODOS also looked at traditional and well-adapted nature-based solutions. Architect and environmental engineer Antonia Theodosiou presented the drystone maintenance workshops that engaged hundreds of people and multiple Troodos communities. An important outcome of the project is the illustrative manual on the construction and maintenance of drystone terraces, written by Antonia and her associate Anastasia Pitta of the Petra sti Petra Foundation.

Finally, the voluntary quality certification scheme that was developed for the Troodos-produced fruit and vegetables, was presented by Mr. Savvas Maliotis of A.M Filagrotiki Symvouleftiki LTD. The benefit to the region from the quality label, as analysed by CyI Associate Research Scientist in Water and Natural Resource Management Research and Economics, Dr. Elias Giannakis, could increase the local gross output by up to 0.6%, as fresh products can be traded at a better price. This implies almost 40 new jobs in the Troodos region.

Following the presentation of results, the audience had the chance to provide their views and comments. Farm union leaders, Christos Papapetrou and Lambros Achilleos, noted that the findings of 3PRO-TROODOS need to be taken into account by policy-makers to sustain farming in Troodos.

In his intervention, Mr. Marios Adamides of the Managing Authority for the Rural Development Program of Cyprus, noted that the adoption of the 2023-2027 agri-environmental measures and investment schemes require more collaboration between farmers, policy-makers and researchers. As a concluding remark, CyI Associate Research Scientist in Water and Natural Resource Management Research and Economics, Dr. Christos Zoumides mentioned that the project's success was made possible by the interdisciplinary cooperation among the project partners and farmers, community leaders and government officials. The research community and the 3PRO-TROODOS consortium is looking forward to continue this cooperation for a sustainable future of agricultural production and processing in the Troodos Mountains.

The 3PRO-TROODOS Project (INTEGRATED/0609/061) is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation, and is coordinated by The Cyprus Institute.

The policy brief is available online at the project website.

Information and Demonstration Event on Protective Nets

Information and Demonstration Event on Irrigation Scheduling with Sensors and Online Tools

Registration of Traditional Uses of the Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Troodos Mountain Region in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus

8th Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration at Spilia

7th Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration in Kyperounta

Participation of the 3PRO-TROODOS Project in Local Festivals

6th Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration in Agros

5th event and workshop on drystone terrace restoration at Lefkara

3PRO-TROODOS Project Launches the First Voluntary Quality Label “Troodos Mountain Agriculture” in the Cyprus Market

Friday, 11 November 2022

Fruit and vegetables with the quality certification label “Troodos Mountain Agriculture” were officially presented for the first time in the Cyprus market, and in particular at the new “Mikropolis” supermarket, on Athalassas Avenue, in central Nicosia, aiming to provide the consumers a new option for quality products, produced exclusively by farmers of the Troodos Mountain.

The quality label for Troodos products is the first comprehensive effort to create a voluntary quality certification system in Cyprus for agricultural products. This initiative goes beyond the creation of a label, and introduces criteria and obligations through which producers aim to improve agricultural practices at three levels: the environment, business responsibility and food safety.

The ultimate goal is to highlight the uniqueness of mountain products based on good agricultural practices for the benefit of the environment and consumer’s health. In order to participate in the quality certification system, a farmer must agree to apply a set of mandatory and optional criteria around the three thematic pillars, while he should also meet the production criteria in the mountains, where the microclimate and environmental conditions contribute to the particular taste and quality of fresh products.

Mr. Nikos Tzionis, an apple producer in Agros, said that the quality label “will give new life and identity to the agricultural products produced in Troodos”, while Mr. Lambros Achilleos, President of SEDIGEP Pitsilia-Troodos, called on the farmers the mountain communities to embrace this effort. CyI researcher Dr Christos Zoumides, said that the effort to create the voluntary quality certification system “Troodos Mountain Agriculture”, began three years ago with numerous consultations and discussions with producers in the framework of the 3PRO-TROODOS research project (2019-2023). It is an Integrated Research Project (INTEGRATED/0609/061), which is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation, and is coordinated by The Cyprus Institute. The aim of 3PRO-TROODOS is to improve agricultural production and food processing in Troodos through social innovation, sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to climate change.

Mr. Savvas Maliotis of the Filagrotiki Consulting Company, who led the effort, stressed that the vision of the farmers of the quality label “Troodos Mountain Agriculture” is to provide consumers with products that stand out not only visually and tastefully but also produced with responsibility for the workers, the society and future generations.

Drystone Terrace Maintenance Efforts Presented at Lerici, Italy

Agricultural Terrace Maintenance in Troodos Presented at Ecosystem Service Conference

Climate Change Effects on Water Resources in Troodos Presented at Groundwater Sustainability Conference in Valencia

3PRO-TROODOS at the 2022 European Researchers’ Night

The Use of Protective Nets as a Mitigation Solution to Climate Change Impacts Presented at HAICTA 2022 Conference in Athens, Greece

Participation of 3PRO-TROODOS in Various Autumn Festivals

The 3PRO-TROODOS Terrace Maintenance Workshops Featured in Phileleftheros Newspaper

3PRO-TROODOS Presented at the COFA Annual General Assembly

4th Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration in Vasa Koilaniou

A Novel Approach for the Bias Correction of Daily Precipitation Presented at the European Geoscience Union conference

New Monitoring Station Installed in Troodos Fruit Plantation

3rd Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration in Alona

3PRO-TROODOS participates at the Scyence Fair

Second On-site Information Event "Smart Cultivation of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in the Mountainous Areas of Troodos"

First On-site Information Event "Smart Cultivation of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in the Mountainous Areas of Troodos"

Consultation Workshop in the Presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for the Troodos Quality Label

Monday, 4 April 2022

A consultation workshop was organized on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Agricultural Research Institute with the aim of finalizing the criteria of the Troodos Agricultural Products Quality Label.

The workshop was under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, officers of the Department of Agriculture and of the Agricultural Research Institute, as well as a representative of the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities.

The development of a quality system for agricultural products from the Troodos Mountain region is implemented within the framework of the 3-PRO TROODOS research project. The project aims to improve agricultural production and food processing in Troodos Mountain, through social innovation, sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to climate change.

The effort to formulate the Quality Certification System started two years ago with many consultations and discussions with producers, as well as assessment of examples and practices that worked well in other countries. The workshop provided the opportunity for a final discussion of the criteria structure before the process of certification is initiated, followed by placing products on the market under the Troodos Mountain Agriculture label.

The ultimate goal is to create identify and added value to the products produced in the Troodos region. The Troodos Mountain Agriculture label is the first comprehensive effort to create a voluntary quality system in Cyprus for agricultural products. It is not just about a brand but an effort to formulate criteria through which we aim to improve agricultural practices on three levels - environment - business responsibility - food safety, highlighting the diversity in the products of the mountainous regions while at the same time seeking to promote good agricultural practices.

The vision is to see Troodos products displayed in a distinct and prominent position on supermarket shelves and to stand out not only visually and in taste, but also due to the actions taken by farmers that benefit the workers, society, consumers and future generations.

Pre-approval for the Registration of the "Traditional Uses of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants of the Mountainous Area of Troodos" in the UNESCO National Catalog of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Progress on Assessing Water Resources and Irrigation Demand Under Current and Future Climate Conditions (WP4)

Friday, 25 March 2022

Climate model output is widely used as input to impact models. Such applications include hydrological, crop, energy modeling, and more. However, due to model deficiencies and the stochastic nature of climate processes, some variables (e.g., daily precipitation) tend to present systematic biases and deviations from the observed conditions (Figure 1 – Lazoglou et al.2020).

Figure 1: Monthly total precipitation for the area of Cyprus according to a climate model (green), observations (purple) and the bias corrected data (orange). (source: Lazoglou et al., 2020^[1],https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/8/7/85/htm).

This is particularly important when studying high-impact extreme events. In 3PRO-Troodos we developed a Copula-based method for bias-correcting modeled daily precipitation. Precipitation data are provided by two EURO-CORDEX regional climate models (KNMI-RACMO22E and CLMcom-CCLM4) and for two time horizons (1981-2010 and 2031-2060). The demonstration area is the island of Cyprus (Figure 2), located in the eastern Mediterranean climate change hot-spot, expected to become hotter and drier in the future.

Figure 2: Observed annual precipitation total for the period 1981-2010.

Cyprus is characterized by a complex coastline and steep orography that drive the precipitation distribution. As a reference dataset, we used a high resolution (1x1km) gridded observational dataset, derived from a dense network of stations. For this application, we developed a copula-based structure scheme between the reference and the simulated data sets. This was for the historical period and each model grid cell. Then, assuming this relation remains unchanged, we corrected the biases for both study periods (historical and future). Due to the local precipitation characteristics, the copula schemes were developed separately for each hydrological season (i.e., wet: November to March and dry: April to October). In addition, different copula schemes were developed for non-extreme and extreme events.

Our results highlight that the proposed method could significantly improve the modeled precipitation for both models in 85% and 92% of grid cells, respectively. These improvements are evident throughout the year and for both extreme and non-extreme values. The climate change signal (precipitation decline near 7%) remains unchanged after applying the bias correction.

Figure 3: Daily precipitation per grid point according to CY-OBS (blue) and the model before (red) and after (grey) the bias correction, for the period 1981-2010 and for the two studied climate models

2nd Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration at Pedoulas

3PRO-TROODOS Participates in Anuga 2021 Exhibition

Friday, 15 October 2021

Following a long period of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that did not allow interactions of processors as originally intended, the 3PRO-TROODOS project partner Niki Agathokleous LTD travelled to Cologne in Germany, to take part in the Anuga 2021 exhibition (9-13 October 2021). Apart from displaying the processed products from Troodos Mountains, the SME from Cyprus had the chance to meet and discuss with other processing companies, identified new prospects and acquired new knowledge that can enhance the potentials of processing back home.

In particular, Christos Agathokleous that represented the company met with an Italian processor of dried and semi-dried cherry tomatoes. The production process is similar to the one followed in Cyprus; tomatoes are harvested when they are fully ripened, they are cut in halves and placed in the sun or on drying kilns. The dried tomatoes are then packed with herps and spices and preserved in oil, i.e., olive oil for the high-end products or vegetable oil for a less costly product. The Italian company is adding garlic, oregano, basil and chili flakes to the jars, for extra flavors and variation of the final product.

In another meeting with Fiordelisi Vegetable crisps company from South Italy, Christos learned about the vegetable crisps that are produced in circulating air driers and contain low sugars. The outcome, as the company claims, is a healthy snack that is not fried, not flavored, and contains no additives or coloring. The production process preserves the organoleptic characteristics with a revolutionary concept of healthy snack. The method is simple, and unlike frying, it includes only air drying which allows the preservation of the color, flavor, nutritional content, vitamins and fibers of fresh vegetables.

Various vegetable products fried in oil were presented by a company based in Peru. This process is not ideal for the case of fruits, i.e., the main focus in the case of Troodos, as the end product will turn brown, following the caramelization of sugars. The company, however, is developing a similar approach as the one tested in Cyprus and in the framework of 3PRO-TROODOS, i.e., airdrying, then coating in minimal oil and oven baking.

1st Event and Workshop on Drystone Terrace Restoration in Ora

2nd Annual 3PRO-TROODOS Project Meeting

Preliminary Results From the Troodos Ethnobotanical Study Were Presented in the 20th International Congress of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology

A Big Part of the Ethnobotanical Study by the Agricultural Research Institute Has Been Completed

Progress on the Experiments in the Cultivation of Native Aromatic and Medicinal Plants at the Saittas Experimental Station

Thematic Events & Festivals 2019 – Troodos Development Company

Thursday, 02/07/2020

In Troodos region there are many thematic festivals that are held by communities and organized groups, for the promotion of local products. This initiative was launched in 2007 by the Troodos Tourism Development and Promotion Company, and through financial support it encouraged the communities to organize these festivals. The Troodos communities, which are producing a wide range of agricultural primary and processing products, gradually attempted to organize and host such festivals, which over time were established and institutionalized as annual events. Some of the products that are highlighted and promoted though these festivals are: apples, peaches, cherries, honey, olive oil, pastries, wine products, spoon sweets, etc. In addition, through these festivals, gastronomy, culture, arts and local tradition emerged, elements which are intertwined with the region and locally produced products.

During the year 2019, 30 thematic events and festivals were organized at the Troodos region, with the support of the Troodos Development Company and the financial contribution of the Local LDR Leader Program. A printed material (calendar) was developed that included all the festivals and products, while the events were promoted through radio broadcasts. In addition, ANET participated in all the festivals after securing a special exhibition space. Visitors were informed through printed and visual material about the European Programs that the company is implementing as a partner, as well as for existing financial tools and investment opportunities, and about the activities of the Troodos Geopark.

One of those projects is 3PRO-TROODOS, an Integrated Research Project (2019-2022) funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus and coordinated by The Cyprus Institute. It is estimated that about 15,000 visitors were informed by ANET during these festivals, many of whom were permanent residents of the Troodos region. In particular, farmers and small businesses have shown particular interest in participating in voluntary quality certification schemes, which is one of the main objectives of the project.

The strengthening of the thematic festivals and the presence of ANET for the dissemination of the results of its projects, and in particular of 3PRO-TROODOS was not possible to continue in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that in 2021, we will have the opportunity to present the results and actions of the project to the public, and especially to the inhabitants of the Troodos region.

Onset of the Experimental Tests on the Cultivation of Native Aromatic and Medicinal Plants at the Saittas Experimental Station

Precision Farming in Troodos Mountains

Friday, 24/04/2020

Producing crops sustainably is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Conventional industrial farming is disastrous for the environment, and even if it was not, it is extremely difficult to be applied in mountainous regions and terraces, which consist the majority of the morphology in Troodos mountains. In the framework of the 3PRO-TROODOS project, Sigint Solutions has been tasked to design a software platform for monitoring the environmental conditions of various villages in the Troodos mountains.

Precision farming is a way of field management that optimises output by using targeted information and technology, so different parts of a farm/crops can get treatments best suited for the environmental conditions, such as soil, slope or sunlight.

Precise information collected in real time, helps in making crop management decisions. Technology helps in making not only current decisions but also future ones, such as:

Knowledge of the soil properties of different parts of a farm can help decide what crops to plant and when. This increases sustainability with less resting needed between crops;
Pinpoint the places that need additional irrigation and which places need less. This saves time and money using only the precise amount of water necessary;
Being able to accurately decrease fertilizer, herbicide, or seed rates in specific areas, which reduces the total operational cost and the carbon footprint;
Accurately measure the soil pH and soil conductivity and adjust accordingly, to maintain optimum conditions for the current crop. This significantly increases the yield and its quality.

Compact handheld devices, smart sensors, mobile apps, and small drones can bring the benefits of precision farming even to small farmers, and on the toughest of environments.

The key points of achieving precision farming are robust sensors, and an efficient, smart, and user-friendly platform to collect the data.

Sigint Solutions designed a sensor network to take care of the various required measurements. The sensor hubs are autonomous; they charge using solar energy.

All the data from the sensors are transmitted wirelessly using cellular networks to a central software platform, which performs the necessary data quality checks, and displays various charts of the collected data. Data are also analysed and smart algorithms and AI/ML based prediction models are implemented to provide an optimum course of action and advice towards an effective management decision. The end user can have access to the platform but also has access to a sleek mobile app that alerts him/her of any action that needs to be taken, e.g., if irrigation is needed to a specific crop.

Precision agriculture also gives the ability to understand why certain areas of a farm underproduce, or are producing better, giving the foundation to make decisions that continually improve the crop productivity as the quality of the harvest.

Sustainable Fruit Production: Application of Protective Nets in Deciduous Orchards

Ethnobotanical Study on the Traditional Uses of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in the Troodos Mountain Area

The Cyprus Institute to Coordinate Research Project to Support the Agri-Food Sector in the Troodos Mountains

Friday, 14/06/2019

The Troodos Mountains of Cyprus offers many opportunities for agricultural production and food processing. However, the mountains are not an easy production environment. A consortium of researchers, small businesses and farmer organisations have started a new integrated research project, named 3PRO-TROODOS, to support the agri-food sector in the Troodos Mountains. This new three-year project is funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation and coordinated by The Cyprus Institute. The coordinator of the project, Assoc. Professor Adriana Bruggeman from The Cyprus Institute, explained that the project will integrate scientific and practical knowledge to contribute to the maintenance and productivity of the beautiful terraced landscapes of the Troodos Mountains.

The 3PRO-TROODOS project aims to develop a Troodos quality certification label, in cooperation with local producers and processors. Savvas Maliotis of Filagrotiki Consultants, who will lead the development of the label, emphasized that a Troodos label will support mountain farmers by increasing the value of local products. Petros Hadjicostas, the director of the Troodos Development Company, highlighted that the linkage of quality branding with the Troodos Geopark will benefit the products and services offered in the region.

Agriculture in the Troodos Mountains is mainly practiced on terraces supported by dry-stone walls. The architect, Antonia Theodosiou, will organize public training workshops on mountain terrace maintenance. She emphasized that maintaining drystone terraces is an important aspect of Troodos rural development and cultural heritage.

Climate change is affecting the water resources in the Troodos Mountain. The Cyprus Institute will explore options for sustainable, future irrigation water use. Sigint Solutions, an information and communications technology company, will cooperate with researchers of The Cyprus Institute on the use of wireless sensors for improving irrigation scheduling. Loizos Kanaris from Sigint Solutions anticipates that as a result of this project, the adoption of smart technologies will be increased and the capacity of farmers to take informed decisions will be enhanced.

Andreas Stylianou from the Agricultural Research Institute stressed the importance of agricultural innovations. Researchers from the Institute will evaluate the use of protective nets for fruit trees in cooperation with Troodos farmers. The Agricultural Research Institute will also conduct an ethno-botanic survey on the use of local medicinal and aromatic plants in Troodos. Selected herbs will be tested with local farmers. Charis Christoforou from the Cyprus Organic Farmers Association explained that herbs attract many beneficial insects. Growing herbs along fruit trees and other crops can support an organic production environment.

The 3PRO-TROODOS Project (INTEGRATED/0609/061) is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation

Contact for info: Dr. Christos Zoumides, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel: 22 208 607