The consortium of ALL-Ready (European Agroecology Living Lab and Research Infrastructure Network: Preparation phase) identified the fundamental principles, concepts and criteria needed to pave the way for a future network of living labs and research infrastructures for an agroecology transition. One of the main outcomes of the ALL-Ready project is setting up a pilot network.
The pilot network was recently launched and brings together 15 initiatives from all over Europe. It will help build strong links and cooperation between the different agroecology-focused living labs, research infrastructures and open innovation arrangements across Europe. Moreover, it will prepare joint activities in line with the common agroecological interest of the pilot members, such as
- knowledge exchange,
- collaborative research to test specific agroecological practices with farmers through field trials (e. g. sustainable soil management, diversification),
- long-term monitoring of agroecosystems,
- short food supply chain practices.
Furthermore, the pilot network is also used to test and validate the concepts and tools developed in the project regarding the inclusion criteria and governance of the future European network of living labs and research infrastructures. ÖMKi is in charge of planning and managing the pilot network activities.
To ensure the sustainable impact of the project and to drive the agroecology transition forward, ALL-Ready closely works together with policymakers. FiBL Europe is responsible for the ongoing science-policy dialogue, which supports the European Commission’s activities to strengthen agroecology in Europe.
Background: The agroecology living lab and research infrastructure partnership of Horizon Europe
The European Commission is currently developing one of the key co-funding instruments of the European Union’s future research programme (Horizon Europe): The “partnership on agroecology living labs and research infrastructures”. This partnership, which is expected to become operational towards the end of 2023, will boost agroecology, including organic farming, in Europe.
The main objective of this partnership is to support a network of agroecology living labs and research infrastructures that will accelerate the transition towards agroecology throughout Europe. The ALL-Ready project is a preparatory action for the future partnership, which will open a new landscape of funding opportunities for research in agroecology (including organic farming) throughout Europe.
The FiBL group, with its outstanding experience in developing transdisciplinary research, is taking key steps for the adoption of the living lab methodologies. Moreover, FiBL Switzerland and the ÖMKi are already members of the European Network of Living Labs ENoLL.
*Definition of Living Labs: Living labs develop solutions to a problem in a participatory and co-creative way and can support the agroecological transition. They test solutions under real-life conditions and involve all stakeholders.
Further information
Contact
- Miguel de Porras
- Lisa Haller
- Judit Fehér
Links
- all-ready-project.eu: ALL-Ready project website
- ec.europa.eu: Horizon Europe partnership on agroecology