The Centro Agroindustrial Cluster Association (InovCluster) is part of a project for the inclusive adoption of Agriculture 5.0 technologies, supporting farmers in their adoption.
The main objective of the GATE 5.0 project (Green and Digital Transitions for a Sustainable European Agri-food Ecosystem) is “to support farmers in adopting Agriculture 5.0 technologies provided by advanced technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), addressing critical challenges in the agri-food value chain”, explained InovCluster.
It also aims to develop and expand innovative solutions, focusing on increasing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact and improving climate resilience across the entire agri-food value chain.
To this end, GATE 5.0 is structured into six groups of activities that guarantee a coherent and efficient implementation of the initiatives, guiding small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in the agri-food sector through financial support, training and internationalization.
In addition to InovCluster, the project also includes as partners the Associação Cluster Digital de Catalunya (Spain), Agrifood Capital BV (Netherlands) and Uab ART21 (Lithuania).
“The project will promote the adoption of advanced digital and green technologies through cross-border collaborations between quadruple helix actors, including academia, industry, policymakers and civil society.”
GATES 5.0 is developed within the scope of the Single Market Program operational program (SMP COSME), with a total eligible investment of 2.6 million euros and the deadline for its completion is September 30, 2028.
InovCluster, based at the facilities of the Agro-food Technological Support Center, in Castelo Branco, aims to increase the competitiveness of two local and regional production systems and seeks to affirm the Central region of Portugal at a national and international level.
Created in 2009, it currently has 148 members, of which 112 are companies, 15 are associations/cooperatives, 12 higher education institutions, R&D institutions linked to the agro-industrial and agri-food sector and nine public entities.
The association has been supported by the municipality of Castelo Branco and is financed by COMPETE – Competitiveness Factors Operational Program and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.