About the project
ClieNFarms is an Innovation Action that aims to co-develop and scale up systemic, locally relevant solutions, to foster climate-neutral and climate-resilient farms across Europe, demonstrated via case studies. Specifically, 20 demonstration case studies will test innovative systemic solutions using the latest modelling approaches and multi-criteria assessment tools. These case studies cover the diversity of production systems (crops, cattle and dairy) as well as geographical areas. The solutions are co-designed with farmers and the related ecosystem in a living lab-type structure and recorded in the project’s data hub.
Description of success
The ClieNFarms project hosts Creative Arenas (CA) in each of its 20 farm networks. Using specific participatory methods, each CA invites a range of stakeholders, for the given agricultural sector, to identify and discuss solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in farm systems that they think will have the greatest impact and most likely successful implementation. They also identify solutions that will have a significant impact but are more difficult to implement at farm level, the barriers to implementation, the support required by farmers, and those that can be provided by other stakeholders.
A range of activities with different artefacts are undertaken in groups, and expert inputs are provided, all of which promote discussion. The stakeholders include input suppliers (e.g., feed merchants, seed merchants, fertiliser suppliers), advisors, bankers, insurance representatives, educators, researchers and purchasers (e.g., milk processors, meat processors). Involving a wide range of stakeholders provides an opportunity for each group to understand the concerns of other stakeholders, as well as what each can contribute to assist with the successful implementation of solutions.
Highlights
- Bringing a wide range of stakeholders together to create collective intelligence around climate solutions.
- Providing an opportunity to share concerns and expertise.
Outputs
The ClieNFarms project has focused on producing solutions to improve efficiency and sustainability at farm level, including:
- Identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase carbon sequestration for farm systems in the network that are likely to deliver the greatest impact, and be successfully implemented.
- Identifying solutions that have a significant impact and are more difficult to implement at farm level.
- Identifying barriers to implementation and support required by farmers, including support that can be provided by other stakeholders.
Impact
The Creative Areas identified impactful solutions to reduce GHG emissions in the agricultural sector and increase carbon sequestration within the farm network as climate change mitigation. As well as identifying available support for these solutions, participants also identified the barriers.
Lessons
- Addressing climate challenges requires integrated solutions involving diverse stakeholders for maximum impact.
- Importance of providing a space where stakeholders can openly discuss the implementation of solutions, including the barriers and challenges.
- Collaboration across the agricultural value chain is vital to support farmers in adopting climate-resilient practices.
- Allowing plenty of time for discussions ensures all challenges are addressed and solutions are well-supported by all stakeholders.
Other information
Watch the video below to see visuals of the project's first Creative Arena
