The PEDAL Consulting team presented CARINA project at the 10th Annual Slovak Biogas Association Conference, “The Future of Slovak Biogas 2024,” held on November 7–8, 2024, at Hotel Tenis in Zvolen, Slovakia.

This milestone event, organized by the Slovak Biogas Association, celebrated a decade of collaboration and innovation in the biogas and renewable energy sector (RES). The conference attracted over 150 participants, including key stakeholders such as policymakers, biogas plant owners, and technology providers from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The conference was structured into three core thematic blocks, offering a platform for expert presentations and dynamic discussions:

Application of Digestate and Organic Waste Processing

Insights on legislative updates and practical applications for digestate.

Discussions on its role in sustainable nutrient cycling and soil quality improvement.

Transition to Biomethane

Emphasis on biogas-to-biomethane conversion as a sustainable pathway.

Exploration of renewable gas registration and integration into energy grids.

Renewable Electricity and Heat Generation

Presentations on advancements in biogas technology and legislative updates for Slovakia’s energy sector.

The dominant theme of the event was the transformation of biogas plants to biomethane production, driven by the upcoming phase-out of state support for biogas plants in Slovakia. Biomethane emerged as a sustainable and viable option to ensure the future of biogas operations.

PEDAL Consulting represented the CARINA project with a stand, showcasing our activities and sharing insights through leaflets and discussions. This platform allowed us to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and promote innovative practices in sustainable energy and bioeconomy.

The Slovak Biogas Association Conference highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving the renewable energy transition. We extend our gratitude to the Slovak Biogas Association for organizing this inspiring event and to all participants for their valuable contributions.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the CARINA LinkedIn Group, a dedicated space designed for CARINA project partners, stakeholders, and all professionals interested in the advancement of innovative, sustainable practices within agriculture. This group provides a platform to deepen discussions, share expertise, and explore new perspectives on key topics identified through CARINA’s research.

Why Join the CARINA LinkedIn Group?

In the face of evolving agricultural challenges, collaboration is key to creating impactful solutions. This LinkedIn group will serve as a collaborative forum where participants can:

Engage with like-minded professionals: Connect with peers, experts, and industry leaders who are working to shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Stay informed: Access exclusive insights and updates from the CARINA project, including new research findings and trending topics.

Exchange ideas and solutions: Discuss innovative strategies for advancing the cultivation of promising crops like Carinata and Camelina, and explore policies and practices to support resilient and environmentally friendly farming systems.

How to Join

Simply follow this link to the CARINA LinkedIn Group, join, and begin connecting with fellow advocates of sustainable farming! We look forward to your contributions and insights in the CARINA LinkedIn Group!
The event was highly successful, with around 60 attendees, primarily from local farms. Participants had the opportunity to visit experimental fields of carinata and safflower. These two oil crops are being explored for their potential in producing agricultural raw materials for biorefineries and the creation of various bio-products.

In addition to the CARINA project, the MIDAS and BRILIAN projects were also presented. Special attention was given to safflower, which attracted significant interest from the farmers due to its promising applications.

The day was filled with insightful presentations and engaging discussions, generating a lot of enthusiasm among the participants. The feedback received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s success in fostering interest and knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices and innovative crop cultivation.

On July 3rd, 2024, the CARINA Demo Field Day event, organized by Novamont and Coldiretti, took place in Benevento, Italy. This gathering aimed to inform local farmers about the ongoing activities, project results, and potential opportunities arising from the cultivation of carinata and other innovative crops.

The event was highly successful, with around 60 attendees, primarily from local farms. Participants had the opportunity to visit experimental fields of carinata and safflower. These two oil crops are being explored for their potential in producing agricultural raw materials for biorefineries and the creation of various bio-products.

In addition to the CARINA project, the MIDAS and BRILIAN projects were also presented. Special attention was given to safflower, which attracted significant interest from the farmers due to its promising applications.

The day was filled with insightful presentations and engaging discussions, generating a lot of enthusiasm among the participants. The feedback received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s success in fostering interest and knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices and innovative crop cultivation.

From June 11-13, 2024, the 2nd General Assembly of the CARINA Project took place in Thessaloniki, Greece. Seventeen CARINA Project Partners gathered to share their outputs reached and insights obtained during the implementation of the Project.

The meeting was opened by Prof. Andrea Monti from the University of Bologna’s Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, who welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation for the Partners’ contributions. The day was packed with engaging speeches from all Work Package Leaders, providing detailed project updates and progress reports. These presentations sparked lively discussions and set the tone for the rest of the meeting.

The second day continued with more in-depth sessions, including breakout discussions focusing on specific project challenges. Participants shared their insights and brainstormed solutions, making the sessions highly productive. An interactive workshop, involving businesses represented in the consortium, focused on their needs and challenges within the project, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

On the third day, the Project Partners participated in an enriching field visit. They explored fields of carinata and camelina near Thessaloniki, which are expected to be harvested in August. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into the practical aspects of our project and reinforced our commitment to sustainable agriculture.

One of the main achievements of the project so far is the establishment of CARINA lighthouses in France, Serbia, Tunisia, and Spain. These lighthouses are “innovation containers” developed by farmers and advisors to gather success stories from demonstration fields testing innovative cropping systems, including either camelina or carinata. These spaces will host events regarding best crop management and field visits in the future.

The lighthouses form a network of actors concerned with the cultivation of these crops. The innovative cropping systems will be built from regional co-design workshops. There will be nine lighthouses in total in CARINA, one per country involved in the project (France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Serbia, Morocco, Poland, Bulgaria, and Tunisia).

Additionally, demo fields are used to experiment with these crops under different conditions and varieties, further contributing to the project’s goals.

The 2nd General Assembly was a significant milestone for the CARINA Project, underscoring our collective efforts to advance agricultural sustainability through innovative cropping systems. We look forward to the continued collaboration and the impactful outcomes that lie ahead.

From May 19th to 21st, 2024, a member of the CARINA project team from Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS) played an active role in the Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences in Florence, Italy. Hosted by the International Union of Soil Sciences, this prestigious event provided a valuable platform to showcase the CARINA project to a diverse and engaged audience.

With approximately 1,400 attendees, the congress offered a prime opportunity to disseminate information about the CARINA project and its objectives. PULS member presented a poster highlighting camelina and carinata as promising biofuel crops, specifically suited for cultivation on marginal sandy-textured soils. The poster also provided an overview of the soil conditions that impact yield, demonstrating the potential of these crops to thrive in challenging environmental conditions with reduced fertilization requirements.

The study presented at the congress underscored the potential of camelina and carinata as sustainable solutions for cultivation in harsh environments, aligning with the CARINA project’s mission to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By engaging with world-renowned soil scientists and researchers, the project gained valuable insights and forged connections within the global scientific community.

The Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences served as an ideal platform to promote the CARINA project’s goals and achievements.

On May 21st, the 4th DG GROW workshop titled “Next Steps in Advancing Bio-based Products and Materials” took place, marking another significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable future. Conducted in a hybrid format, with an offline component held in Brussels at the Congress Centre Albert Borschette and an online segment, the workshop provided a dynamic platform for insightful discussions and exchanges.

The discussion kicked off with an opening by Kristin Schreiber, Director of DG GROW at the European Commission. Schreiber shed light on the industry-related actions outlined in the EU Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative, setting the stage for the engaging conversations that followed.

Mariella Masselink, Head of Unit at DG GROW.D.2, presented the Biotech Hub and potential support tools and networks available for biotech initiatives. Her insights provided valuable perspectives on navigating regulatory frameworks and scaling up bio-based companies effectively.

Participants delved into discussions about sectors within the bio-based industry that may have been overlooked in the Initiative. They also identified challenges and opportunities that require special attention, fostering a collaborative environment for brainstorming solutions.

Addressing Key Topics

Throughout the workshop, various topics were explored, including:

Utilization of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) or similar initiatives and key takeaways from these experiences.

Strategies to stimulate market demand and uptake of bio-based materials and products.

Prioritization of actions outlined in the Initiative, such as LCA & PEF methodologies and minimum bio-based content requirements.

Boosting research and innovation to reduce time-to-market for innovative products.

Strengthening the industrial dimension of the bioeconomy in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy update and related policies.

Enhancing the connection between the Bioeconomy Strategy and biotech and biomanufacturing sectors.

The workshop concluded with a sense of optimism and determination to drive positive change in the bio-based industry. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead and a renewed commitment to advancing sustainable solutions.

On May 17th, 2024, the CARINA project’s partner, Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España, travelled to Blancas (Teruel) to delve into the world of carinata cultivation. At a trial field belonging to a member of the Cereales Teruel cooperative, the team witnessed firsthand the development of this resilient crop under direct sowing conditions, despite recent frosts during the flowering stage.

This excursion provided a unique opportunity for Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España to showcase the European project, CARINA project, and shed light on the principals of carinata cultivation. Engaging with stakeholders, the team delved into the main agronomic aspects of carinata cultivation, offering insights into its evolution during the initial season.

Participating in the CARINA project goes beyond mere observation; it’s about collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing. By collaborating with farmers and stakeholders, Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España gained invaluable insights into the challenges and successes of carinata cultivation. This firsthand experience, guided by the expertise of local farmers, adds depth and richness to the project’s efforts.

As the CARINA project continues to unfold, partnerships and field experiences like these remain integral to its success. By bridging the gap between research and practice, the project aims to drive forward sustainable agriculture initiatives that benefit both farmers and the environment.

On May 16th, 2024, Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España, a partner of the CARINA project, took part in Cultiva Day 2024, held in Somontano de Barbastro (Huesca). This event, organized by the Government of Aragon, Arax Network, and Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España and Aragon, drew an impressive crowd of about 1,500 attendees.

At Cultiva Day 2024, visitors had the opportunity to delve into the world of alternative crops, as well as find out more about camelina. Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España explored camelina alongside Camelina Company España, shedding light on its potential as an alternative crop within the CARINA project.

Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias de España shared insights of camelina cultivation and its role within the broader framework of sustainable agriculture. Their participation in Cultiva Day 2024 provided a valuable platform to showcase the ongoing efforts of the CARINA project and its commitment to shaping the future of agriculture.

Camelina Company recently organized two significant lighthouse events under the CARINA project, bringing together farmers, researchers, and stakeholders at demo field trials. These events provided a platform to present the project, facilitate discussions, and distribute surveys for T5.2 in collaboration with Cooperativas Agroalimentarias and their regional federations.

The first lighthouse occurred on 8th of May 2024 in Penelles, Lleida province. This event focused on double cropping, with 16 farmers attending. All attendees were men, three of them having experience in cultivating camelina.

The second lighthouse took place on 10th of May 2024 at the IMIDRA Experimental Farm in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid province. This event centered on intercropping, attracting around 25 participants, with 50% being women. During this lighthouse, attendees discussed the challenges and difficulties related to intercropping sowing and harvest.

Both events included a short presentation about the crop, Camelina Company, and the EU projects 4CEMED & UNTWIST, highlighting their main results and achievements.

These lighthouses play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and engaging the farming community in innovative solutions.

On April 26th, the CARINA Field Day was held at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Rimski Šančevi, Serbia. This event brought together a diverse group of agricultural enthusiasts, including researchers, academic professors, producers, and students, all united by a shared passion for advancing agricultural innovation.

Participants had the opportunity to visit field trials showcasing various cropping management techniques such as double cropping, intercropping, and relay cropping. Relay cropping, a method of maximizing land utilization and enhancing crop productivity, is gaining popularity. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Ana Marjanović Jeromela, participants received detailed insights into the agricultural practices applied to the experimental fields.

The field trials demonstrated relay cropping combinations of winter barley with carinata and winter pea with carinata, as well as intercropping of winter pea with camelina and spring barley with carinata. The double cropping experiments featuring camelina as both a cash cover crop and food crop were particularly appealing, showcasing an innovative system to increase income while maintaining soil quality and promoting biodiversity.

Participants also observed trials from WP2, which included testing various formulations on winter pea against aphids. In this trial, 11 formulations provided by KIMITEC were applied according to EPPO standards. Additionally, the event featured a visit to the greenhouse, where experimental results on the effects of several bioherbicides on weeds such as Amaranthus retroflexus and Ambrosia artemisiifolia were presented, highlighting which formulations had phytotoxic effects.

The CARINA Field Day was a great opportunity to present new cropping systems, foster innovation, and promote sustainability. It successfully demonstrated the potential of advanced agricultural practices to enhance productivity and environmental stewardship.