News | Partner news Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures met in Geisenheim to strengthen European collaboration

On 29–30 April 2026, a collaborative workshop was held at Hochschule Geisenheim University, Germany, within the framework of the AGROECOLOGY Partnership (Work Package 7). Organised by Luke, the Thünen Institute of Farm Economics, Francisco Josephinum and LifeWatch ERIC, and hosted by the Rheingau Living Lab, the event brought together experts from Agroecology Living Labs (AELLs) and Research Infrastructures (RIs) to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration across Europe.

The main objective of the workshop was to deepen the collective understanding of how AELLs and agroecology-related RI services can operate more sustainably and collaboratively. The discussions built on a series of interviews conducted in 2025–2026 with 15 AELLs and RIs across Europe, which had highlighted the importance of in-person engagement for fostering meaningful collaboration.

The workshop gathered 15 participants representing a diverse range of AELLs and RIs of the European Network, including Rheingau Living Lab, Alimentta Living Lab, Ciclos Quotidiano com Sentido Living Lab, TERRA-ECOTRON Research Infrastructure, Nestos Living Lab, Coccinelle Living Lab, LifeWatch ERIC, FINAL Living Lab, KVANN Living Lab, and Inno-Hof Living Lab & Research Infrastructure. Participants presented their ongoing work and shared practical insights from their implementation plans, contributing to a rich and interactive exchange.

Throughout the workshop, participants explored and compared different implementation approaches within an agroecological context, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, and common challenges. Discussions focused on stakeholder engagement, co-creation processes, territorial contexts, and barriers and enablers related to long-term funding. In particular, discussions emphasised the importance of diversified funding strategies and the role and engagement of regional and local authorities in the initiatives.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of co-creation, open exchange, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing agroecology across Europe. A highlight of the workshop was an excursion to the Rheingau Living Lab, which provided participants with hands-on insights into practical applications and further stimulated discussion.

Looking ahead, participants expressed a strong commitment to continuing collaboration and translating the insights gained into actionable guidelines and sustainable models, further strengthening agroecology initiatives across Europe.

Source images: Gerald Schwarz and Säde Virkki