The sixth online discussion round on December 11^th, 2024, explored the network of agroecology living labs and research infrastructures, and specifically, what it is and whom is it for.

Korinna Varga, from the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi), explained the first application wave, relevant processes and criteria, for joining the European network of agroecology living labs and research infrastructures. The first application wave started this week, on December 9^th, and will end by the end of February. This will be followed by the evaluation, notification and onboarding processes. Eligible for application are agroecology living labs or infrastructures which are already in operation for at least 2-3 years, located within Europe, which are submitting a complete application form. A detailed documentation of necessary criteria regarding values, objectives, governance and activities can be found in the criteria guidelines on the homepage of the agroecology partnership.  

Esther Mieves, from the Farmers-led Research Network (PFN Hesse) in Germany, presented about their living labs. Esther supports the coordination of research network formation. This includes connecting farmers with similar research ideas and interests amongst each other and with suitable research institutions and advisors, but also assisting with funding applications. Further, these living labs and their activities are communicated to other networks, farms and the public through the Farmers-led Research Network. Esther introduced the living lab “Arable Farming”, which consists of nine farms with field trials and five farms without field trials all over Hessen. This living lab focuses on the effects of different termination strategies on nitrogen release from cover crops. They found that termination of cover crops before winter with plough or ridger led to increased yields in the following crop on most sites. Nevertheless, no clear yield difference was found in sandy soils. The experiments will continue to answer questions on nitrogen pathways and impacts on the second crop.