The HALO-FORCE (Halophyte-Driven Innovation for Sustainable Farming in Mediterranean Wetlands) project has officially started, marking the beginning of a new Mediterranean research and innovation initiative funded by PRIMAunder the Horizon Europe framework.

Coordinated by the University of Padua (UNIPD), the project brings together 12 partners from eight Mediterranean countries—Italy, Egypt, Morocco, Türkiye, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and France—to advance innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture in saline and marginal environments.

HALO-FORCE explores the potential of three wild edible halophytes—Salicornia spp., Salsola soda and Beta maritima—as climate-resilient crops capable of enhancing agricultural sustainability while contributing to the conservation and restoration of Mediterranean wetland ecosystems. By combining advanced technologies, including remote sensing, artificial intelligence, multi-omics approaches and sustainability assessment, the project will identify and validate high-performing plant ecotypes suitable for sustainable cultivation and the development of innovative agri-food products.

Beyond its scientific objectives, HALO-FORCE aims to generate practical solutions that support climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and the diversification of Mediterranean food systems, creating new opportunities for farming in salt-affected and marginal lands.

The project was officially launched during the online kick-off meeting held on 29 April 2026, which brought together all consortium partners to present the work plan, governance structure and implementation strategy, while establishing the collaborative framework for the activities to be carried out over the coming years.

CIHEAM Bari participates in the project as a partner, contributing its expertise in sustainable agriculture, innovation and Mediterranean cooperation. The Institute was represented at the kick-off meeting by Dr. Gianluigi Cardone and Dr. Nuray Baser, who joined the consortium in launching a joint effort to develop science-based solutions for more resilient and sustainable agri-food systems across the Mediterranean.