Agroecology-TRANSECT Virtual Roadshow 2

In our series of Virtual Roadshows we share research and innovations as they emerge from the work being carried out by some of Europe's leading institutions.

Roots of Resilience: Enhancing Biodiversity through Agroecology

Our second roadshow event, held on 9 July 2025, presents findings from partners and innovation hubs across Europe through presentations and visual storytelling, highlighting how biodiversity underpins resilient agroecological systems.

How has EU Agriculture Policy affected biodiversity so far?
And by implication, what does it need to do better?
Elizabeth Finch, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research
What does the research tell us about the impact of agroecological farming practices on biodiversity?
Surfacing the interesting findings from over 170 studies looking at how adopting agroecology results in an increase in biodiversity and climate change mitigation, compared to conventional interventions.
Cian Blaix, INRAE/Agroscope
The Multi Criteria Analysis tool (MCA) – particularly looking at how it can analyse Biodiversity Indicators.
Adrien Swartebroeckx, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre
Updates from Innovation Hubs:
i. Results-based incentives for farmers in the Western Stara Planina in Bulgaria
We hear from the Bulgarian innovation hub about their work developing and testing result-based agri-environment payment schemes (RBAPS), and how these have encouraged farmers to adopt agroecological practices that support biodiversity.
ii. Exploring functional biodiversity: enhancing agronomic performance and ecological sustainability
The innovation hub team in Switzerland shares insights into how multi-species seed mixtures for grasslands contribute to sustainable forage production. Their research highlights the role of functional biodiversity, i.e. how the different plant species complement each other ideally to align environmentally friendly and economically viable production of high-quality, home-grown forage.
iii. Conservation biodiversity in perennial systems
The Hungarian innovation hub updates us on their trials with different mixes of species-rich seeds (grass-herb and legume) to determine which provide the best overall climate-proof perennial cover crop in the vine inter-rows. Their particular focus is on the best solutions for weed control, soil conservation and biodiversity development.