SIMONE European Project
Systemic innovations with multiple performance outcomes evaluated through on-farm experiments
The Décompacté.e.s de l’ABC on board the European SIMONE project!
All aboard SIMONE! The Décompacté.e.s de l’ABC association is pleased to be part of the European SIMONE project. Its aim is to experiment with and evaluate systemic innovations in real farming conditions, in order to tailor the transition to agroecology according to the specific characteristics of each region.
But who is SIMONE?
SIMONE stands for Systemic Innovations with Multiple performance evaluated in ON-farm Experimentations. This large-scale initiative focuses on reducing territorial risks by introducing innovative and smart tools directly on farms, in collaboration with regional stakeholders.
SIMONE will identify, deliver, and assess innovations that involve technical, environmental, and economic dimensions. By fostering cooperation among a wide range of stakeholders, SIMONE aims to strengthen rural connections and enhance the sustainability of agriculture in North-West Europe.
- Project type : Interreg NWE
- Start date : 01/01/2024
- End date : 31/12/2027
Project initiatives
> On-farm experiments will be set up to address weed management, crop nutrition, and crop resilience. Co-creation will be at the heart of each on-farm experiment. Farms will be involved as part of a living lab approach. Each region will host a living lab where stakeholders can exchange knowledge.
> Demonstrations and international exchanges: throughout the project, international visits to “living labs” will be organized to inform farmers, advisors, policy-makers, and others about the potential of on-farm experimentation and innovative solutions.
> Education: students will be involved in the living labs, and the results will be integrated into teaching materials.
Key objectives
> Engagement in living labs: SIMONE is involved in six “living labs” strategically located in rural areas of North-West Europe (NWE). These labs serve as collaborative platforms where stakeholders from diverse backgrounds come together to co-design and test innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
> Development of a methodological framework: a robust methodological framework is being developed to adapt and apply a shared knowledge model within each living lab. This framework supports the identification and forecasting of the combined effects of agroecological measures on input reduction and crop establishment at the system level.
> On-Farm Experimentation (OFE): SIMONE project partners work directly with farmers to implement and evaluate agroecological practices and equipment on their farms. Through OFE, at least 50 farmers receive support to set up trials, monitor progress, and access cutting-edge smart technologies.
Project budget
Total project budget: €5.4 million
Interreg NWE funding: €2.8 million
Partners
Arvalis (FR), Inagro (BE), Hiphen (FR), MTU (IE), Agroscope (CH), VIVES (BE), VanDenBorne (NL), CRA-W
