PROGRAMME
Introduction
Food loss and waste (FLW) is a global challenge recognized by international
governments and organizations. Reducing FLW is key to sustainably ensure nutritional
food security for an increasing world population. It is a target of the Sustainable
Development Goals of the United Nations, and the Farm to Fork Strategy of the
European Green Deal. The FoodWaStop COST project addresses these challenges and
aims to: (i) build an interdisciplinary and multi-actor European Network that will also
connect with non-EU Mediterranean countries, to promote knowledge on FLW beyond
the state of the art; (ii) determine incidence of FLW in the critical points of the fruit and
vegetable value chain; (iii) foster technological innovations and sustainable
management strategies to reduce and prevent FLW; and (iv) valorise agrofood waste to
promote a circular bio-economy.
Working Group 1 (WG1) and Working Group 2 (WG2) of COST CA22134
Action FoodWaStop focuses on updating, sharing and exchanging the most recent
strategies to prevent, manage and reduce FLW, as far as the required research,
technology and knowledge allows. As a mean to achieve its goals, WG1 and WG2
organize this training school at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where experts
in the field of pre- and postharvest plant disease prevention and management will
provide masterclasses to train young participants and prepare the next generation of
plant protection specialists.
Aims
The aim of this training school is to transfer knowledge on the modern methods
used to prevent and manage pre- and post-harvest diseases of fresh fruit and vegetables
and thus to build capacity in the field and develop the next generation of plant protection
specialists. The career development of Young Researchers and Innovators will be
supported by acquiring professional skills and knowledge enabling them to become the
champions in sustainable agriculture and resilient food chains.
Contents
The training school covers fundamental knowledge: a) on traditional and novel
methods used to manage pre and post harvest diseases of fruit and vegetable
commodities, b) on regulatory aspects of new plant protection products, and c) on
innovations applied in practice to combat pre- and post harvest diseases in the field or
the packinghouse.
The courses will be delivered by international experts in the field and include
theoretical classes, practical applications in the laboratory and a visit to field and
packinghouse facilities. In this way the participating students will gain theoretical
information in the field associated with real life scenarios on the methods used to
prevent fruit and vegetable diseases using cutting end technologies.
Language
The course will be delivered in English. The level of proficiency of the
candidates in this language will be requested during the application process.
Certificate of completion
FoodWaStop in collaboration with the local organizer will issue a certificate
that will confirm the attendance.
Organizational matters
Participants are expected to arrive at Thessaloniki on Wednesday, May 21th and
to leave on Saturday, May 24th. Note that BotryScleroMoni2025 Symposium that will
be organized in Thessaloniki from 25th to 30th May, 2025, follows directly on from this
training school. Thus, trainees may combine their participation in the training school
with their participation in the BotryScleroMoni 2025.
Travel Info
The “Makedonia International Airport” in Thessaloniki connects the city to
many European capitals and several other European cities by direct flights. Among the
air-companies that fly to Thessaloniki’s airport are: Aegean Airlines, Austrian Airlines,
British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss, Turkish Airlines and
many low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The airport is located
16 km from the city center. A public bus service connects the airport with the center of
the city at 20-minute intervals throughout the day, providing transportation to the center
in less than 30 minutes. (Bus Route No. X1 “KTEL – Airport”).
Reimbursement for COST invited participants
For invited participants on COST CA22134 Action FoodWaStop budget, the
cost of participation will be reimbursed according to the COST rules after daily
signature of attendance list at the meeting and filling proper form on COST website
once back at home. Participants need to book accommodation and cover food (except
for snacks at the coffee breaks), with a fee of 20 Euro per day for lunches, while joint
dinner is optional.
Self-funded participants
The Training School accepts applications from candidates that have their own
source of funding. Those participants need to cover the meals as well.
The venues
The courses of the Training School will take place in two different venues,
located in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.