The Network
STRATUS will create an EU-wide advisory network through the creation of three transnational sub-networks in which trained advisors will collect a Good Practices (GPs) and Research Innovations (RIs) on optimal fertiliser use and will identify Best Practices (BPs) as the result of the systemic feasibility assessment of the GPs and RIs.
Why an EU-wide advisory network for optimal fertiliser use?
What is a Fertilisation Innovation Network (FIN)?
A Fertilisation Innovation Network is a technical network based on effective novel approaches covering the three main challenges leading to the creation of a Sustainable Nutrient Management Plan.
There are three FINs:
Fertiliser Innovation Network on Precision farming
Using technology and digitalisation for an optimal fertiliser use.
SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP: AUA
ADVISORY LEADERSHIP: ILVO
Why address “Precision farming” in an Advisory Fertiliser Innovation Network?
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Fertiliser Innovation Network on Biobased Fertilisers
Substitution of mineral fertilisers with sustainable, affordable high-quality biobased alternatives from different residue and waste stream.
SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP: WUR
ADVISORY LEADERSHIP: AC3A
Why address “Bio-based fertilisers” in an Advisory Fertiliser Innovation Network?
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Fertiliser Innovation Network on Soil Quality
Use of different farming techniques, such as alternative crops, cover crops, carbon farming, or timing of input applications for more sustainable nutrient management, reducing nutrient losses while ensuring soil fertility and quality.
Why address “Soil Quality” in an Advisory Fertiliser Innovation Network?
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Communities of practices
STRATUS will ensure the integration of the advisors in the Member States Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) as well as adapt the project work to the local conditions through the creation of 10 Communities of Practices (CoPs), in 10 partners countries. These CoPs will be established with local AKIS actors, following a multi-actor approach.
A Community of Practice is a multi-actor group composed of relevant regional/national IFM AKIS members meeting regularly to improve and share their knowledge, advisory methods and skills in support of Integrated Fertilisation Management practices. Its function is to make the STRATUS network part also of the regional/national AKIS of each partner country.
Who integrates each Community of Practice?
The Communities of Practices (CoPs) will be managed by the advisors involved in the Fertilization Innovation Network (FINs) that act as Innovation Brokers in their local IFM AKIS.
The CoP will follow the multi-actor approach and include regiional and national policy makers and relevant education organisations along with other AKIS actors such as farmers, industry and researchers.
Agricultural University of Athens
Description
AUA – Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) is a major Agricultural University in Greece and the third oldest in the country, offering research and extension in agri-food for the public and private sectors. AUA research addresses a wide range of issues related to food safety and environmental protection, including the areas of precision agriculture, imaging, AI & robotics, web applications and databases.
Role in the project
In the STRATUS project, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) will develop a digital platform for precision agriculture, aimed at cataloging integrated fertiliser management practices, delivering specialized training material for advisors, and facilitating networking among farming innovation networks and communities of practice. This platform is crafted based on extensive user needs analysis, ensuring it serves as an effective knowledge exchange hub, accessible in nine languages.
As the scientific leader in precision farming, AUA leverages digital technology to optimize fertiliser application, highlighting its commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices within STRATUS.
Eigen Vermogen Van Het Instituut Voor Landbouw- En Visserijonderzoek
Description
Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) is an independent scientific research institute of Flanders’ Government. ILVO’s task is to generate knowledge for more sustainability in the agriculture, fisheries and agri-food sectors. Starting from a strong anchor in Flanders, their work extends throughout Belgium, Europe and the rest of the world.
Role in the project
ILVO participates in all 3 sub-networks (Precision Farming, bio-based fertilisers and soil quality) and is advisory leader of the Precision farming sub-network. Further, ILVO will train the advisors and provide demonstrations.
At last, ILVO will assist with the collection of GPs and RIs and will perform the systemic feasibility analysis of the gathered good fertilization practices to facilitate the selection of Best Fertilization practices.
Wageningen University & Research
Description
The experts of Field crops Wageningen Research contribute to innovation and knowledge development in arable farming, field production of vegetables, green space, nursery stock and fruit growing, at both the national and international level. As our work on developing practical innovations is commissioned by the private and the public sectors, we ensure that our independent position and academic integrity are always at the forefront.
We have test facilities equipped to carry out accurate and efficient tests and demos, both in the field and under controlled conditions.
Role in the project
Systemic feasibility assessment (WP3): Co-lead Fertilization Innovation Networks:
- Biobased fertilisers: Scientific Leader
- Precision farming: member
- Soil quality: member
Association des Chambres d’Agriculture de l’Arc Atlantique
Description
The network of Chambers of Agriculture extends throughout France. On the field on a daily basis, they form a unique local network in France, providing advice, support and formation to farmers on various topics. For example, having worked for many years on plant cover, CRANA provides research and technical elements for better implementation and use as green manure. The MERCI tool allows you to calculate the contribution of a plant cover and therefore adjust the fertilization of the following crop.
Role in the project
The Chambers of agriculture, as Advisory Leader network, will lead the Network on “Bio-based fertilizers” and will offer their expertise on the other networks “precision farming” and “soil quality”. By mobilizing our knowledge and the experience of our advisors, we will offer our expertise on good agricultural practices in fertilization.
Instituto Navarro de Tecnologías e Infraestructuras Agroalimentarias SA
Description
Institute for Agri-food Technology and Infrastructures of Navarra (INTIA)
INTIA is a public corporation under the Ministry of Rural Development and Environment. INTIA’s core mission is to provide services for the transfer of knowledge, technologies and the innovation of the regional agri-food system. A pioneer in Spain in combining applied research with technology transfer, INTIA has been working rigorously and technically independently throughout the value chain since 1980.
Role in the project
INTIA is the coordinator of the STRATUS project
HS Hushallningssallskapens Service Aktiebolag
Description
The history of Hushållningssällskapet stretches back to 1791, when the country’s first Hushållningssällskapet was established on Gotland. Back then, over 230 years ago, Sweden was a different country than it is today. At that time, agriculture formed the basis for the entire nation’s prosperity and famine was a fact in many places. New knowledge was needed for more rational food production. Knowledge literally became the difference between life and death in poor Sweden. Today the situation is different, but there are still clear points of contact between the past and the present. Household management with the earth’s resources is today more relevant than ever.
Customers and members drive development
The customers are in agriculture, forestry, food and several other green and blue industries. Most operate in rural areas, while others make business out of rural resources. In addition, there are many clients in the public sector, students at natural farming high schools and approx. 25,000 members across the country. The activities take place in consultancy and education as well as in research, field trials and development projects at regional and national level.
Independent knowledge is the key to the agriculture of the future. Our activities are broad and independent, free from commercial and political interests. Sweden’s future lies, among other things, in all the independent knowledge that is spread to the younger generations via our nine natural farming high schools, in innovative research and innovative power, and in our field trials, the results of which are spread across the country. The farmer’s new cattle shed is built more efficiently and less tiringly, the forest owner receives better payment for his wood through good advice and concrete plans. By having knowledge of the entire chain, from seed to finished product, our advisors help customers see sustainable solutions for better profitability. Our independence is a matter of course and forms the backbone of our business, then as now.
Everything is connected
The future for us is children’s health, student development, a sustainable society, profitability and better business for our customers and members. It is found in the seven-year-old who receives better school food, in successful field trials and in the laboratory results that give our clients the conditions to succeed in their business through improved soil, fodder and fertilizer quality.
Today, the total turnover for the Household Societies is over SEK 900 million and the number of employees is approximately 1,000 people.
The associations are an important part of Sweden’s history and are today a significant actor that develops the green business life. Together we take care of the earth’s resources.
Role in the project
As an organization focused on advisory services as well as the development of better farming practices, Hushållningssällskapet has taken up the role of advisory leader in the topic of soil quality. We will also be an active partner in assamblying best practices and are keen to exchange experiences with other European partners.
Associated Organizations with HS-F
HUSHALLNINGSSALLSKAPET SJUHARAD
HIR SKANE AB
HUSHALLNINGSSALLSKAPET JONKOPING