Farmers turn their land into Living Labs as the soil-health movement gathers pace

The first 25 Mission Soil Living Labs were officially launched in November 2024, placing growers at the heart of on-farm research across Europe. They are the pioneers of a network that aims to create 100 Living Labs and “Lighthouses” by 2030.

From the plains of Manitoba to the vegetable belts of Flanders, fields are being wired with moisture probes, carbon sensors and weather stations while scientists take notes beside the grain stores. It is a quiet revolution—one that is being driven not only by EU funds but also by national schemes such as Canada’s C$185 million Agricultural Climate Solutions–Living Labs programme.

What it looks like on the ground

• Flanders, Belgium – During a March 2025 field visit, researchers at Inagro showed how a Circular-Economy Living Lab is testing inter-cropping and agro-forestry on a commercial mixed farm, with real-time data shared through an open cloud.ENoLL
• Altiplano Estepario, Spain – In November 2024 the EU-funded GOV4ALL project gathered eighty partners on a regenerative olive and almond holding where cover crops are slowing erosion and cutting irrigation losses.GOV4ALL
• Prairies & Maritimes, Canada – Beef, dairy and arable producers are co-designing grazing regimes and low-nitrogen rotations that aim to help the country meet its 40–45 % emissions-reduction target for agriculture by 2030.agriculture.canada.ca

Benefits reported by early adopters

1. Fresh capital – Horizon Europe Living Lab projects carry budgets of around €12 million, part of which is ring-fenced for equipment and farmer time; Canada’s scheme funds a nationwide network for ten years.ERRINagriculture.canada.ca
2. Embedded science – Trial protocols are co-written by growers and universities; data are posted openly, so recommendations arrive while crops are still in the ground.
3. New revenue streams – Demonstration days, student placements and eco-tourism are turning fields into classrooms and creating service income.
4. Market edge – Verified soil-carbon data and regenerative labels help producers negotiate premiums with millers, roasters and retailers.
5. Policy leverage – Living Lab status is increasingly cited in grant scoring and is expected to dovetail with forthcoming soil-monitoring rules.

Next funding window opens soon

A fresh Horizon Europe call (HORIZON-MISS-2025-SOIL) will open 6 May 2025 and close 4 September 2025, focusing on Living Labs for Continental, Boreal and Alpine regions, with an indicative budget of €36 million. Additional Mission Soil calls, covering brown-field remediation and urban sites, are scheduled for later in the year.

Projects must be submitted by consortia comprising at least a lead farmer or land manager, a research body and a facilitator. Proposals are assessed on scientific ambition, community engagement and the practical value of the solutions co-created.

How NEST can help

With teams on four continents and a decade of experience in agro-environmental innovation, NEST offers:

• Free eligibility check (online or on-farm)
• Consortium matchmaking with universities and tech providers
• Full bid writing and project management support

Interested producers, cooperatives and land-stewardship groups are invited to email info@nestspain.org