EIT Food returns to Cyprus to present the second round of Nati00ns

Nati00ns, a fervent proponent of the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ drove the agenda. Their primary objective was to pioneer the establishment of 100 living labs and lighthouses by 2030, serving as vanguards in the transition towards robust soil health.

The event aimed to cultivate awareness, disseminate crucial information, and foster constructive dialogue pertaining to the myriad challenges confronting soil health and resilience strategies across EU Member States & Associated Countries.

Nestor Etxaleku, Project Manager at EIT Food opened the day with a warming introduction to EIT Food and Nati00n’s mission. Etxaleku also took the mic to talk about EU Soil Mission focusing on the creation of Living Lab.

Over the event, key experts were welcomed to discuss specific topics of the soil. Andreas Mousouliotis, Agricultural Officer at the Department of Agriculture of Cyprus, addressed the role of the EU in the challenges that soil faces and Panagiotis Dalias, PhD and Agricultural Research Officer at the Agricultural Research Institute of Cyprus, highlighted the link between agriculture and the environment.

As well, Dr. Dimitris Tsaltas, Associate Professor of Agricultural Microbiology and Biotechnology at Cyprus University of Technology, gave an interesting session where he unveiled the potential of real testing and experimentation spaces to promote Sustainable Agriculture.

At the end of the event, participants were able to enjoy a joint discussion and networking sessions to look for collaborations, which will lead them to the creation of Living Labs.

The event was a great opportunity to engage with distinguished soil experts hailing from the Department of Agriculture of Cyprus, the Cyprus Rural Network, the Cyprus University of Technology, and the Agricultural Research Institute.