The steering seat: AINIA 

At the coordination of CITRUSBUSTERS is AINIA Technology Centre , based in Spain. With more than 30 years of experience in agri-food innovation, AINIA is a key driver of biotechnology, remote sensing, and precision farming. The center brings essential expertise in the development of biocontrol agents, early detection systems powered by AI, and the management of complex, international research consortia. As project coordinator, AINIA ensures that solutions are grounded in scientific excellence and real-world applicability. 

Farmers for validation on the ground 

Innovation in agriculture must be rooted in the realities of the field. That’s why ANECOOP and ASAJA, two of Spain’s most influential grower organisations, play a crucial role in CITRUSBUSTERS.  

ANECOOP –  one of Europe’s largest fruit and vegetable cooperatives –  offers deep knowledge in citrus production, logistics, and market needs.  

ASAJA, Spain’s largest agricultural association, ensures that farmers’ voices and sustainability priorities are integrated at every step.  

Together, they help validate tools on the ground, guide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy co-creation, and keep the project focused on practical, scalable outcomes. 

Research driving innovation 

CITRUSBUSTERS is based on disruptive science. We are proud to collaborate with a world-class group of research institutions working on detection, modelling, genetics, and cross-continental validation: 

• *Italy’s National Research Council (CNR) brings advanced expertise in plant pathology and biotechnology. 

• Greece’s CERTH leads on remote sensing, AI, and modelling for precision agriculture.  

• Spain’s Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) contributes key knowledge on DNA-free breeding technologies.  

• The Citriculture Center of the São Paulo Agribusiness Technology Agency (CCSM-IAC) adds vital field experience from Brazil – – one of the world’s largest citrus producers.  

These institutions develop early-warning tools, study pathogen dynamics, and evaluate eco-friendly strategies for plant resilience. 

Bridging lab and field: Biotech innovators 

Innovation only works when it moves beyond the lab. Dutch company Bioclear Earth applies microbiome and soil health knowledge to develop surveillance and biocontrol strategies. Meanwhile, Italy’s CHEMIA, with a strong track record in sustainable pest control, scales up and validates biocontrol formulations to meet market and environmental standards.  

Reaching the right people 

Scientific breakthroughs must be shared to have an impact. That’s where communication and stakeholder engagement partners come in. PEDAL Consulting (Slovakia) leads dissemination and exploitation, bringing extensive experience in EU projects to craft targeted strategies that maximize uptake and knowledge sharing. OXIGEN (Italy) strengthens stakeholder involvement and ensures results reach farmers, policymakers, and industry players across the citrus ecosystem.  

Connecting the sector 

The International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU) brings its long-standing international network to the table. As the lead on clustering and networking, IFU helps bridge research and industry. They connect CITRUSBUSTERS innovations with juice processors, producers, and value chain actors who can uptake the project’s sustainable solutions. 

Pests know no borders, and neither should innovation.