Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture. Perennial crops such as grapevine and apple, are particularly
vulnerable to climatic stress like drought, heat waves, frost and hail. Indeed, the long intervals between 2 production cycles,
slows down the adoption of new varieties and induces low flexibility of the cultivation methods, which cannot be changed
every year to adapt to environmental seasonal fluctuations.

In addition, these crops are highly susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, while there is a public demand for a
reduction of pesticides and a shift towards a higher use of biocontrol and defense elicitor compounds. Grapevine and apple
are two crops that consume large amounts of fungicides, with apple having a bad public reputation. However, the reduction
of pesticides use on current varieties is technically challenging, and only marginal progress is expected in the short term.
This situation is further complicated when exploring new regions with higher parasite pressure and stricter regulations on
chemical inputs, thus requiring innovative solutions.

In this regard, new programs are crucial to train graduates and post-graduates to conceive more resilient crop systems and
ultimately help farmers to implement sustainable practices derived from agronomic research. The Newclim project aims at
designing a training program on sustainable agriculture and climate related to:
•sustainable cultivation-farming system in relation to site analysis
•plant protection, organic, biodynamic and alternative ways to promote plant- and soil health
•plant material -phenology, resistant varieties, to understand different growth and development patterns compared to
climate attributes
•sustainable harvesting and transformation,in relation to crop quality and reduced crop losses and waste
•sustainable logistics to optimize the economic outcome, decrease energy input from field to fork.
•sustainable wine - apple and wine market -
•sustainable seasonal management and mechanization
•New pests
•Socio-cultural issues (water use/drought, energy use)

Newclim will offer theoretical and integrative knowledge and practical sessions like farm visits and practical workshops. In
addition, development of digital and green skills for program beneficiaries is a second priority. In conclusion, the challenges
facing modern agriculture are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions and technologies. Through the
development and implementation of sustainable practices, progress can be made towards a more sustainable and
environmental-friendly future for agriculture. The Newclim consortium is convinced that investing in training programs at
Master/PhD levels on these topics will go a long way in achieving these goals.