The COSMOS project (Coordinated Optimization for Sustainable Mediterranean Agroforestry with Truffles and High-Value Species) has officially commenced. This initiative is part of the PRIMA program (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area), supported by the European Union and the participating member states.
The project is led by the Agrotechnology Research Center – Agrotecnio and involves the participation of CTFC, the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI), the Croatian Forest Research Institute (CFRI), Çukurova University (ÇÜ), Agmiso Company, in collaboration with the University of Siena (UNISI), the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Applied Forest Biotechnology Ltd. (IDForest), and the Slovenian Forestry Institute.
Representatives from the various partner institutions of the COSMOS project gathered in Siena, Italy, on June 3 and 4 for the project’s kick-off meeting. During the event, participants reviewed the project’s tasks, partner responsibilities, the work schedule, and the next steps to be taken. The meeting also included a field visit to truffle plantations at the Il Sole di Nebbiano farm.
The overarching goal of the project is to identify and optimize innovative agroforestry strategies that integrate truffles, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruit trees, vineyards, and plant species suitable for pollination and honey production, while overcoming current barriers to the adoption and scalability of these strategies.
This transnational collaboration will facilitate knowledge exchange, and the development of tools tailored to territorial needs, contributing to the development of a more resilient, sustainable, and profitable Mediterranean agroforestry model. The project’s specific objectives are structured into four main areas of work:
- Innovative Practices for Sustainable and Resilient Agroforestry Systems
Practices, models, and strategies will be developed and optimized to revitalize agroforestry systems based on truffles, vineyards, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruit trees, and melliferous species. Ecosystem services will be promoted, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts of these practices will be assessed.
- Market Access and Business Models for Agroforestry Products
The project will analyse and improve the value chains and market access for a wide range of agroforestry products. Certification systems, branding initiatives, and business models will be developed, including emerging opportunities such as truffle and culinary tourism.
- Regulatory and Institutional Framework for Mediterranean Agroforestry
The project will examine the regulatory and institutional framework governing agroforestry practices in the Mediterranean region, identifying technical, policy, and socioeconomic barriers, and proposing policy recommendations to foster sustainable adoption.
- Awareness and Inclusive Training on the Benefits of Agroforestry
The project aims to improve knowledge and awareness of agroforestry systems through training programs, educational materials, and outreach actions with a gender perspective, specifically tailored to the needs of rural women.
The project will support broader adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices in the Mediterranean region through the creation of accessible training materials, technical guidelines, and demonstration activities adapted to diverse territorial contexts. This approach will help increase agricultural productivity, improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, and enhance resilience to climate change.
The project will support broader adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices in the Mediterranean region through the creation of accessible training materials, technical guidelines, and demonstration activities adapted to diverse territorial contexts. This approach will help increase agricultural productivity, improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Moreover, the development of value chains, innovative business models, and new opportunities linked to rural and culinary tourism will contribute to enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. These actions will ensure a long-term impact beyond the duration of the project, with a strong focus on the active inclusion of women and the effective transfer of knowledge through a wide network of engaged stakeholders.
Duration and Funding
The project will run for three years, from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2028, with a total budget of €1,667,530. This project is part of the PRIMA Programme supported by the European Union.
Last modified: 13 June 2025
