Soil-X-Change at 2nd  Carbon Farming Summit in Dublin

The Carbon Farming Summit, organized by Project Credible, took place in Dublin from March 3rd to 7th and brought together experts, stakeholders, and practitioners from across the agricultural and environmental sectors. Over three days, around 1000 participants (onsite and online) engaged in robust discussions and collaborative workshops focused on advancing carbon farming initiatives and fostering regenerative agricultural practices. This summit served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and exploring innovative solutions aimed at transforming agriculture, particularly in regard to sustainable soil management.

It is in this important context that the Soil-X-Change project proudly showcased its commitment to enhancing sustainable soil practices. By promoting our project at such events, we emphasize the need for effective farmer engagement and adaptive solutions tailored to regional circumstances.

Clara Amaro from our coordinator Innomine, presented insights on how EIP Operational Groups (OGs) can cultivate sustainable soil management practices suited to regional needs. She underscored the significance of a bottom-up approach—drawing on the insights and experiences of farmers to ensure their voices are central in developing impactful agricultural practices.

During the summit, we engaged in a dynamic session that highlighted the diverse perspectives of farmers and regional stakeholders on carbon farming. This discussion featured insights from various initiatives that are actively working to support farmers in their transition to carbon farming practices. Key themes included the importance of understanding farmers' needs for capacity building and resource access, as well as exploring successful examples of carbon farming in different agricultural contexts. Additionally, expert contributions emphasized the importance of collaborative frameworks that can enhance engagement and drive innovation in sustainable agricultural practices.

A key conclusion from our discussions was that carbon farming begins with healthy soils at both the farmer and forester levels. To effectively promote sustainable practices, it’s crucial to listen to the needs of those on the ground when formulating policies and regulations.

Moreover, recommendations from the session underscored the pivotal role that EIP Operational Groups and Horizon Europe Living Labs play in fostering innovation. These instruments offer opportunities to develop and test pilot projects that address regional challenges, facilitating collaboration within the agricultural community. They also synthesize knowledge on context-adapted practices, serving as a foundation for enhancing carbon farming initiatives.

In conclusion, the Carbon Farming Summit highlighted the critical importance of collaboration and adaptability within the agricultural sector. Promoting the Soil-X-Change project at such events allows us to contribute to meaningful discussions, share valuable insights, and foster partnerships that enhance sustainable soil management practices.

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