Joint R&I Strategy
The updated Joint R&I Strategy has been completed, expanding on the initial version with new thematic areas aligned to evolving EU policy frameworks and recent scientific advances. It now provides a clearer roadmap with enhanced operational guidance, ensuring its continued relevance for carbon farming R&I at national and EU levels.
Policy Recommendations
Two White Papers have been produced, offering evidence-based recommendations on the policy context for carbon farming at EU and national levels. Additional policy focus groups and masterclasses are underway, feeding into EU frameworks such as the Carbon Removals Certification Framework (CRCF), CAP eco-schemes, and biodiversity targets.
Potential Impacts
Scientific and Technological Impact
CARBONICA has consolidated its role as an Excellence Hub for carbon farming across Cyprus, Greece, and North Macedonia. The CARBONICA Toolbox of Carbon Farming Solutions has been validated against ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 15189:2022 standards, enhancing its credibility for certification and market uptake. The CARBONICA Academy was launched as a farmer-friendly, open-access training hub with >6 modules, complemented by field-based pilots and demonstrators testing solutions across more than ten crop types. These actions strengthen scientific outputs while embedding innovations into place-based ecosystems.
Economic Impact
The Acceleration Programme has been launched, attracting 32 participants (start-ups, SMEs, farmers, innovation teams). It supports business model refinement, investor readiness, and internationalisation, directly enhancing market uptake of carbon farming solutions. Toolbox validation has built market confidence and opened certification pathways. Together these advances underpin operational sustainability, new products and services, SME growth, job creation, and the opening of new market niches in sustainable agriculture.
Societal Impact
CARBONICA has broadened societal reach through the Academy, training workshops, MAP engagement, and cross-visits, reinforcing acceptance and uptake of carbon farming solutions. Dissemination exceeded projections with 19 networking events, 12 community presentations, a strengthened digital presence, and new podcast formats. Brain gain strategies advanced via three conferences and six online roundtables with diaspora experts, reconnecting scientific talent with regional ecosystems. Collectively, these actions cultivate awareness, trust, and long-term integration of carbon farming into society, while contributing to EU and national climate goals.
