Project Title: Essential Oil-Derived Next Generation Nano-Biopesticides for Sustainable Eco-Friendly Agriculture (EONANOBIOPS)

Project No.: A_T1.1_0167

Funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme (2021–2027)

Duration: 36 Months

Link to the project webpage on the Programme website:

https://www.interregnextmed.eu/projects/eonanobiops
The EONANOBIOPS project aims to revolutionize crop pest management in Mediterranean agriculture by developing and commercializing a new generation of eco-friendly nano-biopesticides derived from essential oils (EOs). These biopesticides offer an effective, biodegradable, and environmentally safe alternative to synthetic chemicals, helping address major challenges such as pesticide resistance, environmental degradation, and food safety concerns.

Through a collaborative transnational approach, the project brings together research centers, universities, and SMEs from Palestine, Tunisia, Greece, and Italy. It focuses on:

• Selection and screening of plant essential oils with pesticidal properties,
• Development and nano-encapsulation of EO-based formulations,
• Toxicological and ecological safety assessments,
• Pilot-scale production and market validation,
• Capacity-building, business planning, and regulatory compliance.

EONANOBIOPS is coordinated by the  Biodiversity & Environmental Research Center (BERC) in Palestine and engages leading partners including the Centre de Biotechnologie de Sfax  (Tunisia), National Technical University of Athens

(Greece), University of Catania (Italy), Agricultural University of Athens

(Greece), An-Najah National University (Palestine), and Connect'Innov (Tunisia).

The project will directly benefit farmers, SMEs, researchers, and local communities by reducing pesticide use, increasing crop health and yields, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Long-term impacts include improved biodiversity, safer food systems, and new green jobs.

Financial Support

EONANOBIOPS is co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme (2021–2027), with a total budget of €2.77 million, the EU Contribution (89%): €2,4 million. The Programme supports cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean area to foster innovation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.