Researchers and farmers dug and smelled together
During three days in Alnarp, SLU hosted the first GroundWork General Assembly together with Svensk Kolinlagring. Partners shared progress from the different Living Labs and worked together on soil health, field monitoring, "One Health" and animal welfare.
Participants dug soil pits, examined the soils and had the chance to smell and feel the earth, when visiting three farms participating in the Swedish Living Lab.
– More importantly, the visits gave everyone time to listen to the farmers and learn more about their grazing strategies, working methods and the practical challenges they face, says Hafiz Khuzama Ishaq, Research Fellow from Department of Biosystems and Technology who leads the scientific activities from the SLU side.
The General Assembly was a valuable opportunity to connect the work taking place across the project with the realities of regenerative grazing under Swedish farm conditions.
– Now that the baseline field sampling in the Swedish Living Lab is complete, the next step is to analyse the soil samples and compile the baseline data. During the winter, we will also continue collecting environmental, economic and social information from the participating farms. Together, these data will provide a reference point for following how regenerative grazing practices influence soil health and farm sustainability over the coming years, says Hafiz Khuzama Ishaq.
About the GroundWork project
GroundWork is a Horizon Europe project bringing together partners from several European countries through a network of Living Labs. The project explores how regenerative livestock grazing can contribute to healthier soils, stronger ecosystem functions and more resilient farming systems. The work also contributes to the wider EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”, which aims to establish 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses by 2030 to support the transition towards healthy soils.
Laurence Smith, researcher from the Department of Biosystems and Technology, coordinates SLU’s contribution in the project.
Svensk Kolinlagring is an independent, non-profit organisation that brings together companies and farmers who want to make a difference for the climate. Christina Berneheim from the organization leads the Swedish Living Lab, Grazing Gothia.
Project period: 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030.
Website: groundwork-project.eu
Contact
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PersonLill Eriksson, Communications OfficerDepartment of Biosystems and Technology