Experts sought for new working group on regenerative agriculture

The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is seeking nominations of experts for a new regenerative agriculture project.

The proposal, ‘Transformation towards a Sustainable, Resilient, Regenerative Agriculture in the EU’, takes as a “point of departure the recent shifting agricultural and biodiversity policy arena in Europe”.

The project will review and critically analyse the concept of regenerative agriculture, with a strong focus on restoration ecology in the agricultural landscape. This review and critical analysis will then relate to the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy and outline policy options.

The plan is to finalise a report in late 2021 to feed into the policy discussion in view of major decisions on agricultural policy planned to 2023.

Main competencies identified for a multidisciplinary working group on regenerative agriculture:

Restoration ecology, including ecosystem theory, theory on restoration, practical applications in different bioregions in Europe;
Agricultural sciences, including crop production, animal husbandry, fertilisers, pesticide use, soil biology, new technology;
Agricultural ecosystem science, including biodiversity and environmental impact of agriculture;
Climate change and agriculture, including effects of climate change on production and role of agriculture in mitigation and adaptation;
Economics, including analyses of subsidies and natural capital.

To express an interest in being nominated by the Royal Irish Academy, details can be sent by email.

Any financial costs involved in this project must be self-funded by the nominee or, if applicable, funded by the nominee’s home institution.

Nominations now open for Farming for Nature awards 2021

Meanwhile, Farming for Nature is seeking nominations of farmers who are “going that extra mile for nature” for its 2021 ambassador awards.

Farming for Nature is a national initiative that highlights the positive role that farmers play in looking after nature on their land and which shares – through short films, podcasts and farm walks – the insights gained by these farmers in tackling the biodiversity crisis.

Now in its fourth year, Farming for Nature wants to further expand its network of 40 ambassadors.