Supporting the agroecological transition through living labs networks (SUNRISE)

Lead Institute BD Institute of Biodiversity

Flower strip to promote beneficial wild species such as ground beetles and wild bees

SUNRISE aims to foster the agroecological transition by establishing a network of agroecological living labs (AELLs) across 10 European countries. It builds upon already existing living labs (actual AELLs) or situations that have the potential of becoming active AELL within the time span of the project (potential AELLs).

Background and Objective

AELLs are located at the sub-regional or regional level and are based on networks of actors (multi-actor teams, MATs) who already apply agroecological practices/value chains. They include: (i) farmers (organic and conventional); (ii) agricultural advisors; (iii) upstream and downstream companies (e.g., seed and fertilizer producers; food/feed processors; retailers); (iv) civil society organizations (e.g., NGOs, consumer associations); (v) regional/national policymakers; (vi) scientists.

The core of the project consists of jointly designing, testing, evaluating, validating, and disseminating new agroecological solutions (i.e., practices) that aim to overcome key agronomic problems that hinder or delay the agroecological transition. Activities in the AELLs relate to the most important cropping/farming systems in the target regions (e.g., arable farming, livestock farming, agroforestry). MATs are responsible for all activities related to the joint creation of innovations, demonstration, and knowledge exchange regarding innovative agroecological practices.