WeedingMAP

17
Dec

0

Knowledge Exchange as an Important Pillar for Innovation in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Sector

Within its leadership role in the Working Group under COST project “weedingMAPs –  Non – chemical weed management in medicinal and aromatic plants” the PRO CIVIS Foundation consequently advances activities focused on knowledge exchange and the  co-creation of solutions supporting innovation in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector, as well as in the field of non-chemical weed management methods. 

An important initial step in this process was the workshop organised by PRO CIVIS in Warsaw in March 2025. Based on the active involvement of a broad group of experts, the meeting created a structured space for joint work on principles of effective co-operation within the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. As a result of these activities, a report comprising guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector was developed. The report entitled “A set of rules guiding the joint work of the identified stakeholders relevant for the subject of weedingMAPs” was prepared thanks to the strong commitment of the participants and has become a key reference point for subsequent work. 

The next stage consisted of more in-depth activities carried out during an online meeting organised by PRO CIVIS on 20 November 2025. The meeting brought together experts and practitioners actively involved in the Project and was designed as a further step in the development of a shared research and implementation agenda. 

The meeting was opened by a presentation delivered by the PRO CIVIS’s CEO – Tadeusz Pęczek, and focused on the definition of knowledge and its role in innovation processes, in line with  Project’s assumptions. The presentation established the substantive framework for further work, emphasising the importance of conscious knowledge exchange, dialogue and a practical approach to knowledge co-creation. 

Subsequently, participants engaged in work within thematic working groups, focusing on the identification of needs, challenges and potential directions for further development. The discussions combined scientific perspectives with practical experience, enabling the collection of diverse and complementary viewpoints. 

In the next part of the meeting, the concept of the document “Overview of Knowledge  Co-Creation Methods and Tools Supporting the Development and Introduction of NCWM Methods in MAPs” was presented. The proposed concept provides the basis for developing  a comprehensive overview of knowledge co-creation methods and tools supporting the development and implementation of innovative solutions in the very substantive scope of the Project. Finally, the definition of thematic areas to be included in the final document was also elaborated.  

PRO CIVIS Foundation ensured high level of engagement and the needed frameworks ensuring openness to collaboration and productive outcomes resulting from the group sessions. The meeting confirmed that an approach based on knowledge co-creation and partnership-oriented cooperation provides a solid foundation for further activities and future initiatives in the field of innovative and sustainable bioeconomy. 

 

07
Oct

0

PRO CIVIS Foundation active in the European Cooperation in Science and Technology COST!

Intensifying collaboration, sharing knowledge and research outcomes more widely and more efficiently along the entire value chain, while at the same time creating an environment for innovation is one of the main goals of the new COST  Project „Non-chemical weed management in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) (weedingMAPs)”. PRO CIVIS substantively co – developed this project proposal and will  be actively involved in and contributing to its research and networking tasks:

  • PRO CIVIS CEO – Tadeusz Pęczek will lead the works under Working Group 4 “Strategical approach to knowledge co-creation for new or adapted non-chemical weed management”. The WG4 will take on the challenge of designing new organisational solutions, deal with innovation aspects and knowledge valorization and develop an extended multi-factor SWOT analysis for weedingMAPs.
  • PRO CIVIS representatives will also be substantively involved in the proceedings of Working Group 2 “Barriers and drivers for the adoption of non-chemical weed management strategies in MAPs”. The task of this Group is, inter alia, to deliver an overview of the European and national legislation and programming, as well as a catalogue of best practice recommendations accelerating the use of non-chemical weed management methods in MAPs.

Weed management is generally one of the most challenging aspects of crop production. If not optimally managed, weeds pose a serious competition for nutrients, water or light and therefore often lead to lower yields and higher levels of pests and diseases. The sector of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is particularly affected by weeds, as herbal raw materials are strictly standardised according to pharmacopeia requirements, for example with regards to the content of organic contamination, as well as pesticides or other toxic residues. This creates numerous challenges for cultivation, but also further down the value chain. There is a strong need to establish a proper strategy for sustainable weed management for these groups of plants; especially with regards to the EU Green Deal, which aims to reduce chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030.

The  Project is lasting from 27 September 2024 until 26 September 2028 under the leadership of Research Institute for Organic Agriculture FiBL from Switzerland and in association with other respectable research organisations and academia.