During the first 36 months, key objectives included: establishing the I3S coordinator (I3Sc) network, aligning methodologies, conducting fieldwork for data collection and simulations, and enhancing communication and collaboration.
A network of 20 I3Sc was formed, meeting in person (cross-border visits) and online. Six major themes were addressed: livestock, crops, carbon sequestration, low-carbon energy, integrated sustainability, and alternative approaches. An online catalogue of mitigation solutions and factsheets was developed. I3Sc collected farm data for baseline assessment and simulation.
Methodologies were created to assess and implement climate-neutral practices, including: co-creation via “creative arenas”; model selection and SWOT analysis; data collection tools for model input; standardized soil carbon metrics and surveys; evaluation of MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) methods and sustainability indicators. Farm data enabled simulations using various tools, including the Cool Farm Tool and 12 local models. Soil organic carbon maps were created for baseline and intervention fields. A detailed data validation and SWOT analysis informed the complexity of accurate estimations. Carbon Payment Schemes were reviewed for scalability, adaptability, and cost-efficiency.
Demonstration and lead commercial farms (DFs/LCFs) were identified across 20 sites, and over 200 demonstration events were held. Tools and templates were provided to I3Scs: Farm Action Plan templates; Impact Evaluation protocols; Narrative templates to assess pros and cons. Both qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted, the latter focusing on dairy and beef sectors.
To scale project outcomes: 1. A scaling toolbox was developed; 2. Sourcing districts and farm archetypes were defined for 10 I3S; 3. Mitigation options were quantified; 4. A prototype carbon allowance platform was created. An EU-scale scenario was simulated, assessing albedo impacts from bare soil.
Synergies were built with parallel projects and platforms (e.g. Climate Farm Demo, Irish Deep Demonstration). The team contributed to EU discussions on the Carbon Removal Certification Framework and hosted workshops on food security and Green Deal goals. Collaborations extended globally, including involvement with the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural GHGs and an International Advisory Board of eight experts.
A strong communication strategy supported project visibility and stakeholder engagement. Channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) and a dedicated website were launched. Materials produced included flyers, presentations, roll-ups, videos, and newsletters. New web sections were added to share practice abstracts and the scaling toolbox. Smart training modules are under development, with I3Sc-led content creation underway. Several IMG meetings addressed IP-related issues.
The project was managed through: an Executive Committee (ExCom) with monthly meetings; annual gatherings; WP-specific and trans-WP meetings to maintain alignment; a collaborative SharePoint and mailing lists; Klaxoon and Zoom for interactive discussions; regular administrative tasks, including payment processing and amendments.
Cross-WP collaboration facilitated development in key areas such as the creative arena methodology, upscaling tools, solution assessment, policy briefs, and scenario simulations. A collective paper on defining climate-neutral farms has been drafted.
