Projects

ON-GOING PROJECTS

AGROECOLOGY: HEAL – Holistic Assessment of Agro-Ecological Measures (2025–2028)
The HEAL project aims to evaluate agro-ecological practices through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach across various European farming systems. By integrating environmental, agronomic, economic, and social indicators, the project seeks to identify effective pathways toward sustainable agriculture. HEAL is implemented by a consortium of European research institutions under the Agroecology Partnership, with coordination from Dr. Daniel Neuhoff (Germany) and contributions from researchers at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy and other EU partners.
Project Coordinator: Dr. Daniel Neuhoff (Germany).
Project Team Members: Prof. Dr. Vaclovas Bogužas (Senior Researcher at BioTEC), Prof. Dr. Kęstutis Romaneckas, Dr. Lina Skinulienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jūratė Aleinikovienė, PhD student Austėja Švereikaitė.
Website: HEAL — Agroecology Partnership

HORIZON Europe: WHEATWATCHER – Safe Wheat Agriculture Towards Sustainable Health (2024–2028)

The WHEATWATCHER project aims to develop and apply advanced sensor and spectroscopic technologies in wheat production to ensure soil and plant health and the safety of wheat grains. Innovative solutions allow for holistic monitoring of environmental and biological factors, strengthening food safety, sustainability, and public health.
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Abdul Mouazen (Ghent University, Belgium).
VMU Lead: Prof. Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis (Senior Researcher at BioTEC).
Project Team: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC), Junior Researcher Dr. Marius Kazlauskas.
Website: WHEATWATCHER – Digitally monitored soil and crop health

EJP SOIL: SOMPACS – Soil Management Effects on Soil Organic Matter Properties and Carbon Sequestration (2022–2025)
The SOMPACS project investigates how different soil management practices affect the properties of soil organic matter and carbon sequestration. It aims to deepen understanding of how agricultural practices contribute to climate change mitigation, increased carbon storage, and improved soil quality. The research is based on field experiments and advanced analytical tools.
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Vaclovas Bogužas (Senior Researcher at BioTEC).
Team Members: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC) and others.
Website: ERA-LEARN – SOMPACS

HORIZON Europe: AgroServ – Integrated Services Supporting a Sustainable Agroecological Transition (2022–2027)
The AgroServ project supports a sustainable agroecological transition by providing researchers with access to advanced European scientific infrastructures, data, and services. The project promotes interdisciplinary research, innovation, and practical solutions to help farmers and policymakers shift to environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable agricultural systems.
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Vaclovas Bogužas (Senior Researcher at BioTEC).
Team Members: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC) and others.
Website: AgroServ – European Commission CORDIS

COST: T0P-AGRI-Network – Towards Zer0 Pesticide Agriculture: European Network for Sustainability (2022–2026)
The T0P-AGRI-Network project brings together European scientists, farmers, and policymakers to advance agriculture without the use of synthetic pesticides. The initiative fosters an interdisciplinary collaboration network, encourages knowledge exchange, and supports solutions for sustainable, environmentally friendly, and health-safe agricultural systems across Europe.
Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Vaclovas Bogužas (Senior Researcher at BioTEC).
Team Members: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientifichead of BioTEC) and others.
Website: COST Action CA21134

LIFE: GFarm for LIFE – Green Farm: Sustainable Farm Models for a Viable Future (2023–2026)
The Green Farm project aims to promote the transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices by developing and implementing “green farm” models. It supports biodiversity conservation, enhancement of ecosystem services, and climate-friendly solutions, involving farmers, scientists, and policymakers in a shared sustainability vision.
Project Team: Prof. Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis (Senior Researcher at BioTEC), Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC), and others.
Website: GFarm – GFarm for LIFE

Universities’ Excellence Initiative: BioTEC – Development of a Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence (2023–2027)
This project focuses on developing the Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), enhancing the quality of R&D in the fields of Agronomy and Environmental Engineering. The initiative aims to strengthen scientific disciplines by attracting new researchers and external funding, increasing the number of doctoral students, and gaining international recognition. Research activities will focus on highly relevant areas such as “Climate-smart digital agriculture and water management” and “Sustainable food systems”, covering key topics including: Healthy soils and plants; Mitigation of and adaptation to climate change impacts on ecosystems; Development of climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly agrotechnologies.
Project Implementers: BioTEC staff | VMU Agriculture Academy
Website: Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence (BioTEC) | VMU Agriculture Academy

Investment Program: Development and Demonstration of Innovative Environmentally Friendly Technologies (Cignera, UAB) (2024–2027)
The project aims to develop and demonstrate innovative, environmentally friendly technologies that support sustainable industrial development. The company Cignera, UAB seeks to reduce environmental impact by implementing effective, circular economy-based solutions that promote sustainable resource use and technological advancement.
Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC)
Project Team: Prof. Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis (Senior Researcher at BioTEC), Dr. Jovita Balandaitė (Junior Researcher), and others.
Website: Projects | EU Investments 2021–2027 Portal

HORIZON Europe: Potential of Selective Harvest Based on Mycotoxins Content Assessment in Cereal Crops (POSHMyCo), 2021–2024
The completed POSHMyCo project aimed to enhance food safety and the value of cereal production by developing and testing selective harvesting strategies based on real-time mycotoxin content assessment. The project integrated advanced sensor technologies, data analysis methods, and agronomic practices to enable targeted harvesting—separating contaminated grain from clean. This approach contributed to reducing health risks, minimizing post-harvest losses, and improving supply chain quality.
VMU Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis (Senior Researcher at BioTEC)
Project Team: Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė (Scientific head of BioTEC) and others
Website: Home | POSHMyCo