Within the scope of the AGRICOOP project, reference number BSB01005, supported under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme successfully held its 2nd Consortium Meeting in Varna, Bulgaria, on 16–17 July 2026.
Within the scope of the “Cooperation through Tech-Based Practices to Struggle Invasive Species and Climate Change for a Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture (AGRICOOP)” project, reference number BSB01005, supported under the “Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme” successfully held its 2nd Consortium Meeting in Varna, Bulgaria, on 16–17 July 2026.
The meeting welcomed Mr. Eyyüp Ergan, Chairman, and Ms. Nazlı Genç, Secretary General of the Trabzon Commodity Exchange – the Project Lead Partner, Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, Rector, and Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Ursavaş, Vice Rector of Karadeniz Technical University (Trabzon), Assoc. Prof. Guguli Dumbadze, PhD from Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Director Todorka Dimitrova from Varna Economic Development Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kibar AK from Ondokuz Mayıs University (Samsun), representatives of the National Agricultural Advisory Service – Territorial Office Varna, and other project experts and stakeholders from the partner countries.
During the meeting, partners reviewed the achievements of the first project implementation period, presenting the results of field visits, interviews and analyses on the current state of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Particular attention was given to identifying the most widespread invasive alien species and the five agricultural crops most affected by these pests in Bulgaria, Türkiye and Georgia.
The consortium also discussed the development of a Catalogue of Agricultural Products Affected by Climate Change and Invasive Species, the design of mobile pest detection stations, and the MAPPEST mobile application, which will support farmers and agricultural authorities in the early detection and monitoring of invasive pests. Partners exchanged valuable experience, good practices and innovative solutions for preventing and combating invasive species while strengthening regional cooperation.
The meeting concluded with the definition of the next implementation steps for the second project period, reaffirming the partners’ shared commitment to protecting agriculture, biodiversity and food security through innovation, scientific cooperation and cross-border collaboration.
Through the support of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, the AGRICOOP Project is contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and climate-adapted agricultural sector across the Black Sea region.
