Living Labs for co-creating solutions to reduce eutrophication from agriculture

The EU funding program Living Labs for co-creating solutions to reduce eutrophication from agriculture is establishing a cross-border network of practice-oriented experimental fields. In at least three EU member states, four to five Living Labs will be set up, where agricultural enterprises, environmental NGOs, SMEs, start-ups, academia, and administrations collaboratively develop, test, and scale locally adapted strategies, tools, and methods to reduce nutrient input into water bodies. With a maximum funding amount of €12 million per project and a project duration of 48 months, personnel, material, and travel costs as well as subcontractor services are funded at 100%. Requirements include the application of the multi-actor approach, the involvement of at least three independent institutions from EU member states or associated countries, and close cooperation with the Mission Soil Living Labs & Lighthouses community (SOILL).

In the two-stage procedure (submissions by 08.04.2027 and 14.09.2027), evaluation is based on the criteria of excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. The goal is the long-term improvement of soil and water quality through innovative, climate-resilient concepts against eutrophication. Researchers, farmers, representatives of environmental organizations, and municipal administrations contribute their expertise in real test environments. A comprehensive monitoring concept captures developments based on standardized soil health indicators; Social Sciences and Humanities & Arts (SSHA) promote societal innovation processes. Through cooperation with Mission Soil cluster activities, European research infrastructures, and local stakeholder networks, knowledge transfer is ensured. Based on proven solutions, lighthouse sites (Lighthouses) will be recognized and sustainably established to pave the way toward healthy soils and clean water across Europe.