Grasslands play a crucial role in milk and meat production, carbon storage, and the preservation of soil and water. However, these multiple functions are still insufficiently considered in the overall management of farming systems. The GrassConnect project, bringing together 32 organizations from 14 countries, aims to address this gap.
Over four and a half years, the project will develop new interdisciplinary methods (ecology, livestock, economics, social sciences) to monitor the ecosystem services provided by grassland systems. Remote sensing and artificial intelligence will be explored, alongside existing decision-making tools, to bridge scientific advancements with practical field needs.
A network of 13 hubs across 11 countries will foster the co-construction of solutions adapted to European contexts, bringing together researchers, farmers, technical institutes, and businesses.
The consortium met in Clermont-Ferrand from September 15 to 17, 2026, to launch its work. Participants visited two emblematic grassland farming sites: the experimental unit Herbipôle de Laqueuille and the Le Roc farm, a producer of Saint-Nectaire cheese. These visits allowed for a confrontation of scientific objectives with agricultural realities.
The project, funded by Horizon Europe with €7,999,088.71, will continue until 2031.
