1st Call projects
The Green ERA-Hub has selected 10 projects for funding under the 2023 joint call for proposals. GEH brought together 19 funding organizations from 16 countries from 3 continents, to support basic and applied research. The call was focused on ‘Contributions to a sustainable and resilient agri-food system’. Emphasizing resource utilization, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and assessing impacts on yields, product quality, human nutrition, and profitability, the initiative seeks holistic solutions for both organic and conventional farming and/or food approaches. Each project is a collaboration between researchers from multiple countries and continents. The projects will run for 3 years and will start in 2024.
Four topics were identified and proposed to applicants
NutriSTORM: Nutrient Soil Stoichiometry Transformation for Optimized Resource Management
How can we grow more sustainably while reducing our reliance on synthetic fertilisers?
NutriSTORM is the answer — it studies the balance of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil. These three elements are absolutely vital for healthy crops, clean water and resilient farming systems. It is clear that the project's focus is on pilot fields in Ireland, Germany and the UK. NutriSTORM shows how soil microbes can naturally feed plants, helping farmers use fewer chemical inputs while boosting soil life. NutriSTORM doesn't just observe. The project uses carbon-rich waste from the circular economy to enrich soils and develop practical, locally adaptable solutions. NutriSTORM improves nutrient balance and supports microbial cycles, increasing yields and reducing pollution. The result? We will create healthier soils, cleaner water and a farming system that's ready for the future. NutriSTORM is a key supporter of the EU's 2030 goals and contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals.
HiGa: Hermetia illucens for a Green agriculture
How can we make agriculture more sustainable while reducing our reliance on imported protein and synthetic fertilisers?
HiGa believes it has found the answer in the form of a small insect with great potential: the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). This project explores how this species of insect can contribute to building a more sustainable, self-sufficient and circular farming system in Europe. HiGa is improving larval rearing techniques and optimising the use of the flies as a protein source in aquaculture. The project is also investigating whether the insects' fat could help to reduce methane emissions in dairy cattle. Even the by-product, frass (insect manure), plays a key role as an alternative to mineral fertilisers. By analysing its composition and how it interacts with other soil inputs, HiGa aims to maximise its effectiveness for crops such as wheat and potatoes. That’s just one part of the story. The project also measures greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions during insect production and application, providing a clear picture of the environmental impact and economic feasibility. HiGa is sharing its insights widely through field days, open farm events, and collaboration with farmers, researchers, and the insect sector. The result? A farming system that is less dependent on imported inputs, has more local nutrient cycles and is ready for the future.
NSmartSystems: Smart Nitrogen Management for Diverse Cropping Systems
How can we help farmers to manage nitrogen more precisely and support sustainable crop diversification?
NSmartSystems is developing smart, user-friendly software tools to help farmers optimise nitrogen management and diversify their cropping systems. The project combines field data from Finland, Denmark and Germany with advanced modelling to enable better decision-making regarding crop rotation, cover crops and variable-rate nitrogen application. But that’s not all. N-Smart Systems is also creating improved nitrogen and soil property maps, as well as machine-specific application maps, to enhance the accuracy of precision fertilisation. Furthermore, farmers will have access to open-source analysis tools that enable them to monitor the long-term effects of their management decisions. With the potential to save up to 35% of nitrogen, NSmartSystems is helping to make farming more profitable, climate-resilient and environmentally friendly.
LeFaSus: Uncovering Legume Soil Fatigue for Sustainable Expansion of European Grain Legume Cultivation
How can we grow more legumes without exhausting our soils?
LeFaSus is taking on one of the biggest barriers to legume cultivation in Europe: legume soil fatigue. This phenomenon is a key factor limiting productivity and sustainability, especially in organic systems without livestock. But why does fatigue occur in some farms and not others? LeFaSus is investigating this mystery by analysing 120 farms across Europe — from Norway to northern Italy. The project combines soil chemistry, root health and microbial diversity assessments with detailed surveys of farming practices and crop histories. By comparing farms with and without fatigue, LeFaSus will identify key indicators and management strategies to prevent it. The goal? Legumes must be used more widely in crop rotations. This is the only way to unlock their full potential, reduce reliance on imported protein feed, and boost biodiversity. LeFaSus is leading the way to a more resilient and legume-rich future in European agriculture.
FERTIGO: Improving fertilizing strategies by Innovative use of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) in agricultural systems
Can we feed our crops better by working with nature instead of against it?
FERTIGO explores how specific plant species can naturally enhance nutrient retention in soils, reduce fertiliser losses and improve crop nutrition. The project focuses on species such as plantain, red fescue and phacelia. These are being tested for their ability to stabilise nitrogen and mobilise phosphorus. It is clear that these plants support soil biodiversity, improve water retention and boost carbon storage. Field trials in Belgium, Germany, the UK and Ireland are testing how these plants work on real farms. They are used in different ways: as grassland before growing spring barley, as cover crops between two main crops, and as companion plants grown together with maize. This helps researchers see how well the plants support healthy soil and keep nutrients in place. FERTIGO combines laboratory research with on-farm testing and works closely with farmers and researchers to identify the most effective strategies under local conditions. And there’s more: by turning nature-based nutrient solutions into practical and profitable tools for both organic and conventional farming, FERTIGO is unlocking the hidden power of plants to build more resilient and sustainable cropping systems.
DARE2CYCLE: DAiry Waste and REsidues upCYCLing into Microbial ProtEin
Can waste from the dairy sector help feed the future?
DARE2CYCLE is tackling Europe’s growing protein gap and the environmental burden of dairy residues by developing a circular biorefinery system. The project transforms leftover whey, waste milk and manure into microbial protein using selected bacteria, yeast and fungi. This protein is perfectly suited for use in animal feed, human food and biodegradable packaging. But there’s more. The process includes anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery and microbial cultivation, followed by validation for food, feed and industrial applications. By connecting the dairy and bio-based sectors across six European countries, DARE2CYCLE promotes sustainable production, reduces reliance on imported protein, and supports the transition to a circular bioeconomy.
LIFE: Climate-Resilient, Water-Efficient, and Self-Sustainable Agri-Food Systems
How can waste become the future of farming?
LIFE is doing just that by transforming animal manure into safe, nutrient-rich fertilisers for hydroponic systems. This innovative project combines circular resource use with digital technology to reduce the need for synthetic inputs and improve food security. LIFE uses novel bacterial and chemical processes to convert manure into water-soluble nutrients. A Digital Twin system then monitors and controls the transformation process and crop growth in real time to ensure precision and safety. Field trials in Luxembourg and Ireland are testing different types of manure and technologies. A pilot farm will demonstrate the entire system, incorporating rainwater harvesting and automated nutrient delivery. However, LIFE is about more than just technology. The project engages with farmers, researchers and policymakers through focus groups and Delphi studies, ensuring that the system is practical, scalable and aligned with real-world needs. The result? A climate-smart farming model that increases fertiliser efficiency, promotes circularity and helps to achieve global goals such as ending hunger, ensuring access to clean water and clean energy, encouraging innovation and promoting sustainable production.
AMD-GAS in maize: Harnessing African Microbial Diversity to mitigate Green House Gas emissions in maize production
Could bacteria help to increase maize production while reducing emissions?
The AMD-GAS project explores how naturally occurring soil bacteria can increase maize yields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As farmers face increasing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources, this project provides an alternative to chemical fertilisers by using beneficial microbes instead of synthetic materials. Researchers in South Africa and Cameroon are testing plant-friendly bacteria. These microbes can fix nitrogen, solubilise phosphate and enhance nutrient absorption. The bacteria are being applied to maize fields under normal and drought conditions in order to assess their effect on crop growth and nitrous oxide and methane emissions. The project doesn’t stop there. Scientists are also studying how these microbes interact with plants at a genetic level and identifying the most promising bacterial strains for future product development. AMD-GAS is working closely with farmers, students, and policymakers to share knowledge, build research capacity, and promote sustainable farming practices in maize. The result? A climate-smart solution that supports food security, protects the environment and empowers communities across Africa and beyond.
Sustain Sheep: Reducing sheep methane emissions: sustainability in practice via new breeding goals
What if sheep breeding could help fight climate change?
Sustain Sheep is developing a new type of breeding programme that rewards low methane emissions and supports climate goals. By aligning genetic selection with national and international climate reporting, the project turns scientific research into practical tools for farmers and policymakers. By working with partners in several countries who use the same methane-measuring technology, Sustain Sheep is creating a unique platform for collaboration. Researchers combine genetic data, economic modelling and policy analysis to explore how breeding can reduce emissions without affecting productivity. They also study how different policy scenarios could boost adoption and cost-effectiveness. And that’s only part of the story. Sustain Sheep is working closely with farmers, policymakers and the public to make climate-smart breeding a shared priority. Through knowledge exchange and clear communication, the project ensures that its results are useful, accessible, and ready to implement. The result? A more efficient, competitive and sustainable sheep sector that delivers high-quality meat with a smaller environmental footprint.
ProRMAS: Producing valuable proteins and organic fertilizers from saline water sources using a recirculating multitrophic aquaponic system
What if we could farm shrimp, seaweed and vegetables in a single, closed-loop system?
ProRMAS is reimagining aquaculture by creating a fully circular food production system that turns waste into value. Using saline water, the project combines shrimp farming with the cultivation of seaweed, salt-tolerant plants and nutrient-recycling worms, all of which work together in a closed loop. The shrimp are raised as a valuable source of protein. Their waste feeds polychaetes, which can replace fishmeal in shrimp feed. Seaweed and halophyte plants absorb dissolved nutrients and can be used for food or animal feed. Even the remaining solids are transformed into bio-fertilisers for vegetables. Nothing is wasted. The project involves building a demonstration farm to test and evaluate the environmental and economic performance of this integrated system. Researchers are also developing sustainable shrimp feed and investigating how live seaweed and worms can enhance shrimp health and growth. ProRMAS is more than just a technical solution. It brings together aquaculture experts, farmers, students, and policymakers to promote sustainable food production in urban areas. The outcome? A smart, zero-waste system that produces healthy food, creates green jobs and safeguards our planet's resources.