Help Shape The Future Of Sustainable Cropping

Stakeholders across the UK are being invited to help shape the future of sustainable agriculture by joining the Crop-MATCHING Multi-Actor Community, a European initiative focused on improving crop management to support healthier soils, stronger biodiversity and more resilient farming systems.

Led by researchers at Newcastle University, in collaboration with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), the initiative brings together voices from industry, policy, academia and civil society. Industry participation is particularly encouraged to help ensure that solutions developed are practical, scalable and effective on the ground.

The Crop-MATCHING Multi-Actor Community offers a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, innovation and peer learning. Participants will have opportunities to connect with farmers, researchers, advisors and policymakers across the UK and Europe, access tools and resources to support sustainable land management, and contribute their expertise to improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity and supporting climate adaptation. Members can also take part in events, working groups and peer-learning activities.

The UK group forms part of a wider European network, with ten national practice groups linked through a broader thematic network and project consortium.

Registered stakeholders are invited to attend the UK Practice Group Kick-Off Meeting which will be the first opportunity to connect with other UK participants and help shape the direction of the UK group within the wider Crop-MATCHING platform.

Date: 29 April 2026
Time: 11:00–12:00
Location: Online

Crop-MATCHING is a four-year project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, working with partners across 13 countries to support more sustainable farming and forestry practices that deliver both environmental and economic benefits.

Participants will gain access to a network of researchers, industry representatives and policymakers, alongside practical tools to support sustainable cropping systems. The initiative also provides opportunities to contribute to solutions that reduce inputs, improve soil health and enhance biodiversity, while supporting innovation at national and European levels.

To join the UK Crop-MATCHING Multi-Actor Community and receive an invitation to the kick-off meeting, sign up here.

For further information, contact Dr Barbara Tocco at [email protected]