Press Release [Brussels, Rome, Vienna, 29/02/2024]
INNO4CFIs Launches Groundbreaking Project to Revolutionise Carbon Farming in Europe
INNO4CFIs, the pioneering innovation project aiming to transform the landscape of carbon farming in Europe, is proud to announce the launch of its ambitious initiative to implement a replicable and scalable business model for carbon farming. Co-funded by the I3 instrument of the European Regional Development Fund and developed by 14 partners across Europe, it is set to play a pivotal role in bridging the innovation gap, promoting sustainability and carbon reduction whilst fostering soil health, water security and biodiversity.
Europe, with its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, faces significant challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, food supply issues, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
According to a study requested by the European Parliament, the EU can reduce its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 101 to 444 million tons annually through Carbon Farming, which is 3-12% of total GHG emissions.
Carbon Farming to boost EU resilience and competitiveness
INNO4CFIs, led by Fondazione E. Amaldi, aims to develop business models for carbon farming for the sustainable management of land for climate protection, resilience and competitiveness in 13 European regions. It recognizes the potential of carbon farming to address pressing challenges and provides solutions that tackle knowledge gaps, address funding challenges, and drive innovation in the EU green tech & carbon farming market. By promoting nature-based business models and the integration of green-, satellite- and space technologies, INNO4CFIs increases CO2 uptake while nurturing vital environmental benefits like freshwater production, soil restoration, and biodiversity enhancement.
The project’s official title, Nature-Based Business Model and Emerging Innovations to enhance Carbon Farming Initiatives (CFIs) while preserving Biodiversity, Water Security, and Soil Health, underscores its comprehensive approach to sustainability. Nature-Based Solutions are key to solving the climate and biodiversity crisis, fostering resilience and a good quality of life.
“INNO4CFIs helps to connect technologies and promotes cooperation amongst SMEs, policy and research across Europe. It is a great opportunity to go a new path, develop innovation and provide a better approach for carbon farming.”
Lorenzo Scatena, Secretary General, Fondazione E. Amaldi
Promoting collaboration and market uptake
In the course of the project, which started in September 2023 and is going up to August 2026, a Carbon Technology Platform will be developed integrating key technologies from desalination, mycelium technologies up to space and satellite technologies. They will be demonstrated and validated in 5 living hubs in Italy, Belgium, Spain and Greece planting a minimum of 6000 trees supported by the green and carbon farming technologies.
Furthermore, INNO4CFIs provides cascade funding to advance innovation green tech and carbon farming technologies in targeted European regions. The project will introduce an innovative Peer-to-Peer Platform to facilitate the exchange and management of carbon credits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
INNO4CFIs marks a significant milestone in Europe’s journey towards sustainability and climate resilience. By harnessing the power of nature-based solutions and cutting-edge technologies, the project aims to revolutionise carbon farming, promote environmental stewardship to boost CO2 uptake, freshwater production, soil restoration, and biodiversity, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.