Shaping the Future of Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses in Europe
2025-12-03 13:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Committee of the Regions, Room VMA 21 (2nd floor), Rue Van Maerlant 2, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
On the eve of World Soil Day, SOILL-Startup will host a policy-focused conference designed to bridge EU-level ambitions with real-life insights from the first and second waves of Mission Soil Living Labs. The event will explore data needs, enabling policy frameworks, practical challenges, early impacts, and the pathways needed to secure long-term sustainability—turning experiences from the field into actionable recommendations for EU and national strategies under the Mission A Soil Deal for Europe.
This high-level gathering will bring together leading Mission Soil stakeholders to discuss how Soil Health Living Labs and Lighthouses can accelerate ecosystem restoration and soil health improvements across Europe.
Panel: The Voice from the Ground: One Year into the Mission Soil Living Labs
We are proud to announce that Lena Madden, Senior Research Fellow at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) – Midwest and Manager & Scientific Lead of the SOILCRATES Ireland Living Lab,will represent our project on this key panel.
During this session, representatives from the first wave of Mission Soil Living Labs will share early insights from implementation what is working, where challenges remain, and the lessons shaping the next phases of the Mission.
Speakers include:

Ioannis Varvaris – Deputy Research Coordinator, Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence; LL Manager, Nemesis LL (Cyprus)

Józef Chojnicki – Professor, Grójec Living Lab – LivingSoiLL project

Lena Madden – Senior Research Fellow, TUS; Manager & Scientific Lead, SOILCRATES Ireland Living Lab

Mladen Almaliev – Professor, Agricultural University – Plovdiv; Ambassador, Bulgarian Viticultural Soil Health LL

Vasileios Takavakoglou – Senior Researcher, Soil & Water Resources Institute “DIMITRA”; Ambassador, AEGEAN Living Lab

Moderated by:

Saskia Visser – Member of the Management Team, Climate KIC; WP Leader, SOILL

Join for a networking lunch at 13:00 CET and contribute to the conversation. The event is livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Deadline for in-person participation: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at 18:00 CET.

Proposal Preparation Workshop in Limerick, Ireland
2026-01-13
A Proposal Preparation Workshop will take place at Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick on the 13th of January at 8:00 pm.
Join us for hands-on workshop supporting applicants to the SOILCRATES grant call. This session will guide you through the application and budget forms, clarify terms and conditions, and help address any questions before submission.
Need Support? Applicants can book a 20-minute one-on-one meeting from 7:00 pm before the workshop. Book a session here.
Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, January 13th 2025

Time: 8:00 PM

Location: Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, V35 KV62

More info here.

Workshop : building skills for a new Irish agri-food sector
2026-02-25 09:00 - 14:00
TUS Thurles Campus is hosting a key stakeholder workshop with the Circular Bioeconomy Education Centre (CBEC) and the BioScaleUp project to address real skills challenges facing primary producers from these sectors. The workshop is planned as a co-creation exercise to identify skills and solutions that will enable primary producers to maximise economic value from bioresources now and in the future.
The aim is to co-create pilot education programmes with stakeholders that focuses on practical skills training and solutions that turn biological resources into real opportunities.
Who should attend?
• Farmers from all sectors (beef, dairy, sheep, pig, poultry, fisheries, tillage)
• Foresters and other primary producers
• Processors and SMEs,
• Farm advisors,
• Researchers, and other stakeholders
📍 Conference Centre, TUS Thurles Campus, Co. Tipperary
🗓 25 February 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (coffee & lunch included).
What you’ll get
✔ Practical tools to understand and utilise on-farm bio-resources
✔ Water, soil and veterinary health testing kits
✔ One-to-one transferable consultation vouchers with TUS experts
✔ Real examples, useful resources and meaningful connections
Places are limited. Please click here to register https://lnkd.in/dbnvz4Mh
CBEC is funded by DAFM to develop a national roadmap for bioeconomy education. BioScaleUP project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. CBEC and BioScale Up Projects are dedicated to developing skills in Irish Agri-food sectors with the aim of driving the adoption of innovative circular bio-based products, projects, policies, and programmes.

SOIL-VITIS: first demonstration day on regenerative viticulture at the Living Lab Granada Tierra Viva
2026-05-06
Granada Tierra Viva invites you to participate in the demonstration day “SOIL-VITIS: Innovation in Regenerative Viticulture” , which will take place on May 6th, from 10:00 to 12:30 , at the Finca Señorío de Nevada, Granada .
This activity constitutes the first demonstration visit of a pilot project selected within the Living Lab Granada Tierra Viva , within the framework of the European project SOILCRATES , an initiative funded by the European Union aimed at promoting innovative practices for improving soil health and the transition towards more sustainable agricultural models.
The day will take place entirely in the field and will focus on the SOIL-VITIS pilot project , which addresses the application of regenerative solutions in vineyards through three main lines of work: the management of pruning waste and plant covers , the use of microbial inoculants and erosion control .
The project proposes a sustainable soil management model for Mediterranean vineyards based on the integration of cover crops, the use of pruning waste, and the inoculation of rhizosphere microorganisms. This strategy addresses the need to reduce the impact of traditional practices, which are responsible for the loss of organic matter and biodiversity, soil compaction, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
During the visit, attendees will be able to learn firsthand about different practices applied to the sustainable management of the vineyard, including the chopping of pruning remains with specific machinery, the comparison between plant covers and tillage, the functioning of microbial inoculants in the soil and different strategies to reduce runoff, improve infiltration and promote the retention of soil and nutrients.
This activity is aimed at farmers, technicians, researchers, organizations in the agri-food sector, and the general public interested in agricultural sustainability, regenerative viticulture, and improving soil health. There is no limit to the number of participants , but prior registration is required to facilitate the organization of the event.
Date: May 6th
Time: 10:00–12:30 h
Location: Finca Señorío de Nevada, Granada
Format: Field demonstration day
Capacity: Unlimited
Register here
For more information, you can contact us by phone at 958 777 092 or by email at granadatierraviva@ugr.es
Full program of the day

10:00 h | Reception
Welcome and brief introduction of the project.
10:30 a.m. | Management of pruning waste and plant cover
. Speaker: Chema Concustell Niño, Bodegas Señorío de Nevada.
Contents:

Field demonstration: chopping pruning debris with the acquired machinery.
Plant cover versus tillage: impact on the physical-chemical and microbiological conditions of the soil.
Plant covers: comparison between sown and spontaneous covers, pros and cons.
Species of spontaneous plant cover as bioindicators of soil conditions.

11:00 h | Microbial inoculants
Speaker: Mario Paniagua López, Zaidín Experimental Station-CSIC.
Contents:

How inoculants work in the soil.
Conditions necessary for its effectiveness.
Practical application in vineyards.

11:30 a.m. | Erosion control strategies
Speaker: Ana Romero Freire, University of Granada, Department of Soil Chemistry.
Contents:

Keys to erosion control: how plant cover and pruning debris reduce runoff, improve infiltration and promote soil and nutrient retention.
Bare soil versus covered soil: differences in physical-chemical properties, structural stability, water retention and fertilizers.
Micro-erosion test using simulated rainfall: demonstration in a microcosm with soil samples from the test—bare, covered, and with pruning debris—applying acidified water to visualize runoff, soil loss, turbidity, and changes in leachate pH. The demonstration will allow observation of how the covers help retain nutrients and prevent their loss through runoff and infiltration.

12:00 pm | Debate and questions
12:30 pm | End of the day

Conference in the Provincial Council on the organization of Granada Tierra Viva
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00
After months of intensive work, the living lab of Granada Tierra Viva SOILCRATES EU enters a new key phase.
The Provincial Council of Granada and the University of Granada call on the Living Lab community to a day of collective work to continue consolidating this innovation ecosystem focused on improving soils, sustainable agriculture, responsible production and marketing and the revitalization of the territory.
🗓 May 12
🕙 10:00–13:00
📍 Assembly Hall, CIE Building, Diputación de Granada
During the session, the current status of the Living Lab will be shared, its organizational mechanisms will be discussed, challenges, needs and opportunities will be identified, and participatory work will be done on the construction of a collective roadmap.
For more information: https://lnkd.in/eUNXxSf6

SPNA Soil Management for Water Quality knowledge meeting
2026-05-13 19:00 - 21:30
Invitation to the SPNA Soil Management for Water Quality knowledge meeting
On Wednesday 13 May, from 19.00-21.30 hrs, we will organise the next SOILCRATES EU Living Lab meeting on the role of soil management for water quality, for healthy surface and groundwater. This meeting will take place at SPNA agroresearch Ebelsheerd, Hoofdweg 26, Nieuw Beerta.
The substantive theme will be explored in depth by Peter van der Maas, lecturer in Sustainable Water Systems at Van Hall Larenstein (Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences ), there will be room for questions and in-depth discussion. Afterwards, we will talk further with Erica Mosch, researcher Water & CoPSEL (VHL), about what binds us in this Living Lab, what goals would you like to achieve with this Living Lab and what do we share as a group? And what will be our message to the outside world (including governments, chain parties and Northerners)?
Finally, the Living Lab is intended as a learning platform, by sharing mutual experiences, but also by using practical pilot trials. The pilot experiments have now been started for this purpose, and we want to continue with this. We are in talks with various parties to get follow-up funding for new pilot initiatives. If you have ideas or wishes to improve soil health on your farm or in your environment, bring them to the table here so that we can take them on board and help you achieve them. If you have done experiments that you want to share, you are also welcome to tell your story, no matter how big or small.
You can register via the following link:
https://lnkd.in/eT63kxEZ

SOILCRATES-Ireland Governance Model Co-Creation Session
2026-05-18 15:30 - 17:00
Join us in Limerick for the SOILCRATES-Ireland Governance Model Co-Creation Session, facilitated by Technological University of the Shannon.
This collaborative event will bring together farmers, researchers, community representatives, policymakers, and local stakeholders to co-create the future governance model of the SOILCRATES EU Living Lab.
The session offers an opportunity to share ideas, perspectives, and local knowledge that will help ensure the SOILCRATES initiative reflects the needs and priorities of communities working towards sustainable soil management and resilient rural futures.
Your voice and perspective matter. 🌱
Event Details
Date: 18 May 2026Time: 3:30 PMLocation: LSAD TUS George’s Quay
Who Should Attend?

Farmers and land managers
Researchers and academics
Community organisations
Environmental stakeholders
Policymakers and regional development actors
Anyone interested in sustainable soil and rural innovation

Register
To learn more and register for the event, please visit: www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/soilcrates-governance-model-co-creation-session

Uitnodiging SOILCRATES netwerkdag en boerenmarkt 24 juni
2026-06-26
Bent u actief bezig met bodemgezondheid of betrokken bij het SOILCRATES Living Lab?
En bent u benieuwd naar de laatste ontwikkelingen rondom duurzaam bodembeheer in Noord-Nederland? Dan nodigen wij u van harte uit voor de SOILCRATES* netwerkdag op woensdag 24 juni 2026 van 11.00-16.00 uur in het Biosintrum in Oosterwolde. Tijdens deze inspirerende dag ontmoeten agrariërs, onderzoekers, overheden en andere betrokkenen elkaar om kennis en ervaringen uit te wisselen over gezonde en toekomstbestendige bodems. Boerenmarkt en praktijkproeven
Vanaf 11.00 uur openen we de boerenmarkt, waar de dertien praktijkproeven van het SOILCRATES Living Lab worden gepresenteerd.
U krijgt hier een kijkje in uiteenlopende initiatieven rondom duurzaam bodembeheer. Zo presenteert een van de agrariers een proef waarbij verschillende digestaatfracties worden vergeleken om te onderzoeken welke het meest bijdraagt aan bodemgezondheid. Daarnaast verzorgen Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein en het Louis Bolk Instituut uitleg over verschillende bodemtesten (o.a. profielkuil beoordelen en BodemConditieScore). Ook diverse andere partners van het Living Lab zijn aanwezig met marktkramen, informatie en korte workshops, waaronder een rondleiding door de experimententuin van Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein.
Workshop Living Lab Noord-Nederland
In de middag gaan we gezamenlijk in gesprek over de toekomst van het SOILCRATES Living Lab. Tijdens deze interactieve workshop horen we graag uw ideeën over hoe het Living Lab verder ontwikkeld kan worden als beweging voor betere bodemgezondheid in Noord- Nederland.
We sluiten de dag af met een netwerkborrel. Een mooie gelegenheid om ervaringen uit te wisselen met collega-boeren, onderzoekers en andere professionals.
Waarom deelnemen?
• Praktische kennis en voorbeelden uit de
regio
• Inspiratie voor een gezonde en vruchtbare
bodem
• Ontmoet collega’s en wissel ervaringen uit
• Meedenken over de toekomst van
duurzaam bodembeheer in Noord-Nederland
Praktische informatie ‼️
Datum: Woensdag 24 juni 2026
Locatie: Biosintrum, Ecomunitypark 5, Oosterwolde
Programma 📆
10.30 uur Inloop en registratie
11.00-13.00 uur Boerenmarkt met toelichting op SOILCRATES, presentaties van praktijkproeven, informatiestands en korte workshops 12.00-13.00 uur Lunchkraam met broodjes
13.00-14.30 uur Workshop SOILCRATES Living Lab Noord-Nederland
14.30-16.00 uur Netwerkborrel
Aanmelden 📝
ledereen is van harte welkom bij dit netwerkevenement, dus stuur deze uitnodiging gerust door binnen uw netwerk. Om te weten op hoeveel mensen we kunnen rekenen, is aanmelden nodig. Dat kan tot en met 17 juni 2026 via dit formulier.
https://lnkd.in/dHSH4MRQ
Tot ziens op 24 juni!
