AgroServ Chronicles - Spring 2024

IN THIS ISSUE:

AgroServ’s Living Labs: accelerators of an open innovation process

A member in the spotlight: EMBRC-ERIC

Save the date: public webinar April 29th

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Foreword MICHEL BOËR Director General

Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of the AgroServ Chronicles.

As we celebrate the journey of our project, which began one and a half years ago, we eagerly review the proposals from our first call. We will soon start to deliver our interdisciplinary services, and we are moving forward towards issuing a new call this summer, poised for another successful round of collaboration.

In this issue of the newsletter Dr. Claudia Zoani presents the living lab we are building as part of our project. Living Labs epitomize the transdisciplinary essence of AgroServ, uniting academia and stakeholders —such as farmers and industry— in an open, inclusive, and innovative environment.

Together, the aim is to tackle emerging questions and cultivate fresh insights, propelling agroecology forward.

Through the contribution of access officer Davide Di Cioccio, you will learn how a Research Infrastructure devoted to marine biology contributes to the research for a resilient food system and the agroecology transitions.

Finally, don't miss our next open webinar, set for April 29th with our special keynote speaker Dr. Korinna Varga from the Hungarian Institute on Organic Agriculture, and with our partner Research Infrastructure METROFOOD in the spotlight.

Enjoy the read!

Sincerely yours,

Michel Boër

But agroecology does not stop at the shore, as we explore its intersection with marine biology through the European Marine Biology Resource Centre (EMBRC).

What is AgroServ?

With a growing global population and worsening soil quality posing significant hurdles, a shift towards balanced and sustainable systems is urgently needed to ensure food security, biodiversity, and human health. Recognizing the limitations of individual scientists and laboratories to address the breadth of agricultural complexities, AgroServ was conceived as a collaborative platform. By linking together researchers, facilities, farmers, industries, projects, and policymakers, AgroServ accelerates agroecological research, transcending borders to embrace a holistic perspective.

With 73 partners offering 143 Research Services across more than 20 countries, AgroServ, funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme from 2022-27, embodies the ethos of collaboration as the cornerstone for timely solutions to agricultural challenges.

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Living Labs: accelerators of an open innovation process CLAUDIA ZOANI Living Labs emerged as a tool to bridge the existing gap between innovative solutions and end-users’ real needs. To do so, Living Labs opened themselves up to real-life environments to co-create with end users valuable innovations that would fit their needs.

AgroServ Living Labs are the core of the collaboration between the academic community and the stakeholders acting as accelerators of the innovation process. They have been conceived as open and collaborative ways to translate research results into technological, organizational, institutional, and societal innovations, and, on the other hand, to facilitate the generation of new scientific questions which will be further researched with the support of AgroServ’s services.

MULTI-METHOD APPROACH

CO-CREATION

USER ENGAGEMENT

REAL LIFE SETTING

MULTISTAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION

Source: Living Lab Methodology Handbook, ENoLL (2017)

AgroServ Living Lab’s ambition is to cover functionally, ecologically, geographically, and climatically multidimensional challenges of agroecological transition integrating economic, social, and political aspects. To achieve this, we established three Living Labs and co-creation hubs in different geographic areas, supported by different installations of AgroServ’s Research Infrastructures. We designed our living-labs as co-creation open support ecosystems to address the challenges of innovation in the agroecology transition, with expected outcomes in the knowledge, business, and social domains.

The three Living Lab are heterogeneous since they represent different specificities: Living Lab 1 - Multi-centered, transnational Mediterranean (LL MED, PortugalFrance- Italy). This Living Lab will propose the solutions needed for the preservation of natural resources to cope with main threats in the Mediterranean region (climate change, drought, biodiversity loss, invasive species, decline in soil quality) while ensuring sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems.

Living Lab 2 - Central Europe (LL CEU, Czech Republic). The second Living Lab focuses on the sustainability of agrifood production systems, with an integrated food chain approach covering from primary production to food processing and preparation.

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This Central Europe living lab involves a comprehensive platform integrating experimental fields and greenhouses (for example for cereals, potatoes, medicinal and aromatic plants) and stables hosting different types of livestock such as cows, pigs, poultry, rabbits, and a Food Processing Training Center (FoodTech Pavilion) with six main operation parts – processing of meat, milk, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, beer and oilseeds and medicinal plants.

The lab is open to multiple actors: researchers, farmers, food operators, processors, producers, citizens,

policymakers, and local authorities with the aim of achieving innovative solutions with the active participation of all stakeholders and the valuable involvement of end-users in each step of the process.

Living Lab 3 - Multi-centered North European (LL NORTH, Finland).

The third Living Lab focuses on grass-based dairy and beef production in Nordic conditions including both mineral and organic soils.

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Claudia Zoani is the Coordinator of the Research Infrastructure METROFOOD-RI (metrofood.eu) In AgroServ she leads Work Package 6 - Open Innovation Hub. Zoani is a researcher at the ENEA Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division. She graduated in Chemistry with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, she concluded the courses & research activities of a second PhD in Agriculture, Food and Environment. Specialist on atomic spectroscopic and mass spectrometry techniques and Metrology, she conducts R&D activities on Reference Materials and Methods, food quality, safety and traceability, sustainability of agrifood systems, risk assessment.

LL1 - MULTI-CENTERED, TRANS-NATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN LIVING LAB UTAD (Portugal), IBISBA – INRAE (France), METROFOOD-RI – ENEA, AnaEE - CIHEAM (Italy)

LL2 – CENTRAL EUROPE LIVING LAB METROFOOD-RI - CZU (Czech Republic)

LL3 – MULTI-CENTERED NORTH-EUROPE LIVING LAB AnaEE - LUKE (Finland)

A MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) Marine biology and agroecology are traditionally sectors which have never been much in contact. However, leveraging the expertise and insights from marine biology, agriculture can create innovative solutions that enhance resilience, sustainability, and productivity in the face of environmental challenges.

In this edition of our newsletter, we have the privilege of interviewing a key member of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) team. EMBRC-ERIC is the European research infrastructure dedicated to advancing marine biology and ecology while promoting blue biotechnologies and is among the 12 members of the AgroServ project consortium.

With a network spanning 70 marine stations across 10 European countries, EMBRC provides access to essential services, facilities, and technology platforms for robust and cost-effective research in marine sciences.

Our interviewee sheds light on EMBRC’s contributions to exploring marine biodiversity, accelerating knowledge in ocean science, and fostering a sustainable relationship with the ocean. The main question is quite straightforward: how is EMBRC linked to agroecology?

Interview with Davide Di Cioccio, access manager at EMBRC HQ “With a background in biology and biodiversity conservation, I transitioned from research to project management within EMBRC. This decision was made to cultivate my interest in connecting researchers to collaborate, rather than doing science myself in academic research, acknowledging the value of collaboration in driving scientific progress.”

For the last 5 years Davide Di Cioccio has been working at EMBRC headquarters in Paris, France. Previously, he worked in projects close to EMBRC, and in particular on Transnational Access programmes.

THE BIGGEST THREATS TO WATER SYSTEMS CAUSED BY MODERN FARMING Modern farming poses several significant threats to water systems.

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According to Di Cioccio “eutrophication, or nutrient pollution, stands as the most substantial threat”. Excessive fertilizers, manure, and organic matter from farms can wash into waterways, especially during heavy rainfall. When these nutrients reach the ocean, they can fuel the growth of algae, creating algal blooms. These blooms can in turn deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Chemicals used in farming, such as pesticides and herbicides, can be carried away by rainwater, eventually reaching the ocean. These chemicals can be toxic to marine organisms, interfering with their development and reproduction.

The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock farming can result in these drugs entering waterways. This can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing risks to both human and animal health.

Additionally, the rapid expansion of aquaculture also poses threats to marine environments. Escaped fish from aquaculture facilities can disrupt native species by competing for resources and potentially introducing diseases, also potentially affecting the genetic diversity of natural populations. Furthermore, leftover fish feed and waste from aquaculture operations can add to nutrient pollution and deplete oxygen levels in surrounding waters.

EMBRC’S RELEVANCE IN THE FIELD OF AGROECOLOGY Collaboration between marine biologists and agricultural researchers can lead to the development of integrated approaches and create connections between marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

“Services for marine biology can contribute to solving the issue of resilience in agriculture in different ways”, affirms Di Cioccio. For instance, marine algae contain valuable compounds like cytokinins, auxins, and polysaccharides that can boost plant growth when used as biostimulants. Marine bacteria and fungi can be used as biofertilizers to enhance soil fertility and nutrient availability for plants. Chitin, present in crustacean shells, can be processed to aid germination, promote plant growth, and serve as a fungicide.

Certain marine species like fish and crustaceans can be integrated into pest management systems in agriculture. For instance, introducing specific fish species into rice paddies can naturally regulate pest populations, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and fostering ecological balance.

On the same front, extracts from sea cucumbers and starfish exhibit insecticidal and fungicidal properties, offering potential solutions for pest control in agriculture.

Exploring integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which cultivate fish, shellfish, and seaweed together, could offer a sustainable approach to food production. Waste from one species serves as nutrients for another, creating a more resilient production system.

Moreover, marine organisms harbour genetic traits crucial for climate change resilience: genetic material from mangroves or seaweeds could confer resistance to saltwater stress in crops; proteins sourced from polar fishes could help crops withstand freezing temperatures. Additionally, algae and bacteria possess bioremediation capabilities, capable of cleansing pollutants from water bodies and treating agricultural runoff to mitigate water pollution.

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WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR WATER ECOSYSTEMS

TO DO: FIND SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE OUR WATER AND SOIL TREATMENT

One significant advancement is precision agriculture, which uses technology to manage crop inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides more efficiently, reducing waste and runoff.

“Research efforts are still needed to find solutions for improving our water and soil treatment methods in several key areas”, says Di Cioccio.

Another innovative approach that Di Cioccio points out is vertical farming. This method involves growing crops indoors in stacked layers, often using hydroponic or aeroponic systems. Vertical farming reduces the need for land and water while minimizing the risk of water pollution associated with traditional farming practices.

Marine aquaponics represents yet another novel technique. By combining aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil), marine aquaponics creates a closed-loop system where waste from fish provides nutrients for plants, and plants help filter the water for the fish.

Regulatory efforts have focused on reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, significant contributors to water pollution.

For example, the European Green Deal aimed to halve pesticide use by 2030 and decrease fertilizer use by 20%, and it also looked at doubling organic production to encompass 25% of all EU farmland. Organic farming practices typically involve fewer synthetic inputs, which can reduce water pollution and foster healthier water ecosystems.

Despite these measures, protests in major EU capital cities have arisen against some of these targets, underscoring ongoing debates and challenges in striking a balance between agricultural practices and environmental concerns.

A crucial one is the management of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics, which are increasingly being detected in water bodies. Research is essential to develop efficient and costeffective methods for removing these pollutants from both water and soil.

In waste treatment, there's a need for research into bioaccumulation techniques using marine bacteria, fungi, algae, or seaweeds. These organisms have the potential to accumulate and detoxify contaminants, providing sustainable waste treatment solutions.

“Understanding the long-term impacts of various treatment methods and addressing social and economic aspects is crucial. This includes assessing potential unintended effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and biogeochemical cycles”. Research in these areas is essential for developing holistic approaches to water and soil treatment that consider both environmental and societal needs.

The EU Green Week 2024, titled Towards a water resilient Europe, epitomizes the increasing recognition of the vital role of water treatment. With recurring water crises and a growing awareness of the need for resilience, this year's conference in Brussels on May 29-30 is pivotal in facilitating a robust dialogue on water challenges and solutions.

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EMBRC’S SERVICES/PLATFORMS IN A TRANSNATIONAL ACCESS PROJECT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF AGROSERV As AgroServ reaches an important step in the development of new research projects, Di Cioccio reminds us that EMBRC's involvement in agroecology is relatively new, so specific examples of contributions to farming practices are limited. “Exploring marine organism extracts for their potential in agriculture is a promising avenue. Collaborations with other research infrastructures could further advance this research and lead to tangible impacts on farming practices. To this end, EMBRC offers a diverse range of services and platforms that can be used within AgroServ”.

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FOCUS ON 2 SERVICES UGENT - LIPIDOMICS LAB The Lipidomics lab service allows a fast and precise profiling of fatty acids by means of GC/FID-MS [Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection and Mass Spectrometry]. Fatty acids are used as a proxy for food quality and as such link marine food sources to nutritional requirements for human consumption. In view of the beneficial contribution of fatty acids to human health, this fits perfectly within the One Health concept. In addition, the facilities allow to monitor changes in fatty acids in available food sources because of climate change impact. The lab can conduct stress exposure experiments for marine invertebrates and subsequently screen the test organisms for changes in fatty acid profiles. The same procedure can be applied for aquaculture target species, for instance after the application of different feeds and/or stressors, with the final aim to find more sustainable feeds for aquaculture. In addition, the lab can provide training of researchers starting to use this technique, from sampling to data analysis.

HCMR-IMBBC - BIOANALYSIS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY LAB Biomolecules are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms and play indispensable roles in almost every aspect of marine life. At the same time, marine biomolecules and biomass present increasing interest for biotechnological and biomedical applications.

In this context, HCMR-IMBBC employs advanced techniques, such as tandem mass spectrometry, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and microplate - based spectrophotometric methods, to perform qualitative/quantitative analysis of numerous biomolecules in various biological matrices and assess some of their basic bioactivities. By using bioanalysis as a main tool, the lab conducts research towards the valorisation of marine biological resources for the detection of marine biomolecules and the exploration of their potential biotechnological applications.

Check this page to consult all the services available within AgroServ through EMBRC. Visit embrc.eu to find out more about the centre.

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News and events AgroServ PUBLIC WEBINAR / APRIL 29th Amidst the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and climate change, the challenges confronting agriculture are more urgent than ever. On April 29th AgroServ will host a public webinar to present the current landscape of agroecology in Europe, and AgroServ's services potential for reaching a more sustainable food production.

The keynote speech by Korinna Varga (Head of Agricultural Policy Research Group at the Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture - ÖMKi) will introduce us to partnership initiatives, Living Labs, and an overview of progress and future challenges for European food production. The focus will then shift to updates from the AgroServ consortium, reaching a crucial stage with the imminent start of research projects accepted in the first round of applications of the project. Finally, the spotlight will go to MetroFood, one of AgroServ's research infrastructures, presenting completed or ongoing research projects that can inspire others to move forward with their ideas for sustainability in agroecology.

This webinar will anticipate the launch of the second call for proposals directed at researchers, with future events that will be tailored to detail the procedure and timeframe to participate in the AgroServ project. You can register to the webinar by visiting bit.ly/april29agroserv.

AgroServ: the science behind a sustainable food production PUBLIC WEBINAR

April 29th 2024 / 13.00 - 14.30 CET

TO REGISTER SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT bit.ly/april29agroserv

Food System Microbiomes 2024 International Conference

EU’s Nature restoration law faces an uncertain future

14-17 May 2024 in Turin, Italy

One of EU’s main key legislative priorities under the Green Deal was adopted by the Parliament at the end of February. Now, support from member states is uncertain, putting the final adoption of the law at risk.

foodsystemsmicrobiomes.org

Hamburg Sustainability Conference 7-8 October 2024 in Hamburg, Germany sustainability-conference.org

3rd International Conference on Agroecology and Organic farming 29-30 October 2024 in Montreal, Canada organicfarming.plantscienceconferences.com

European Commission backs agricultural land use for aviation biofuel production The decision comes to meet the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) targets, which stipulates that advanced biofuels must cover at least 3.5% of the energy used for transport by 2030. Concerns have grown over the possible lack of measures to prevent unsustainable use of food and feed crops.

AgroServ Chronicles / Spring 2024

Find out more

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PROJECT AND PARTNERS, VISIT AGROSERV.EU

IF YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK OR THERE ARE RELEVANT NEWS OR EVENTS THAT YOU THINK SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE Send an email to AgroServ’s communications officer: daniele.baldo@anaee.eu

AgroServ Central Hub CNRS Campus, Bâtiment 11 1 Av. de la Terrasse 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France

contact@agroserv.eu agroserv.eu

Quality of information — Disclaimer Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.