Summary

In the past, rural landscapes were varied and primarily created by the practice of growing a mixture of crops and livestock farming. Marginal lands were devoted to mowing and grazing, that created ‘semi-natural’ ecosystems rich in fauna and flora. However, current agricultural practices have reinforced the phenomenon of degradation in these semi-natural agricultural environments.

The Agrinew project focuses on the issues of access to agricultural land and the agroecological  transition of agricultural systems. It gives farmers viable opportunities to develop their farming activity through public/private or private/private partnerships; as well as ensuring the availability of agricultural land and promoting the restoration of abandoned farmland with high ecological potential. The project supports research and development in innovative agricultural systems that maintain biodiversity, promotes environmental farming systems, and brings together a wide network of stakeholders in the region.

Results

The project restored 67 hectares of agricultural land and facilitated the setting up of six farmers. 

Eight farms took part in the economic analysis, sustainability diagnosis and forage evaluation activities which involved monitoring the weight of 200 animals.

Fifteen hectares will be sown with native flowering plants.

The information and results collected by the actions of the project, together with those of agricultural systems developed abroad, have been communicated through five training/information sessions.