EUFAWREADY is a four-year project that addresses the growing threat of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive pest recently detected in Europe and accelerated by climate change and global trade. The project’s goal is to equip European farmers, advisers, and plant health authorities with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed for early detection, sustainable management, and rapid response to FAW outbreaks, thereby reducing economic, environmental, and social risks.

The work is structured around three main pillars — LEARN, DETECT, and MANAGE — culminating in an INTEGRATION phase:

• LEARN: Strengthening stakeholder awareness and preparedness, generating new knowledge on FAW biology and resistance, and assessing potential economic, environmental, and social impacts.

• DETECT: Developing advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools, including pheromone traps, molecular diagnostics, GIS-based monitoring systems, and innovative approaches like odour sensors.

• MANAGE: Diversifying sustainable control methods through natural enemies, microbial agents, and plant-based or semiochemical solutions, alongside breeding FAW-tolerant maize varieties.

• INTEGRATION & IMPACT: Delivering plant health guidelines, an integrated pest management (IPM) toolbox for farmers and advisers, and a comprehensive dissemination strategy to ensure uptake of results.