ABOUT IBERSOILL
We promote carbon farming in Portugal and Spain's cross-border regions, fostering partnerships among producers, researchers, and stakeholders.
The Team
Natalia Sierra holds a PhD and MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP, Brazil). With over five years of postdoctoral research at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, she has specialized in plant-microbial interactions for sustainable agriculture. Her work focuses on leveraging microbial communities to enhance soil health and crop resilience, contributing to the development of innovative and environmentally friendly farming solutions.
Eduardo Velázquez is a researcher with more than 20 years of experience in the analysis of carbon fixation in soils and vegetation, forest dynamics and natural regeneration of degraded lands. He got a BSc in Environmental Sciences and a PhD in Ecology from the University of Alcalá (Madrid, Spain). Along his scientific career, he had participated in more than 10 research projects, many of them international, and contributed to more than 25 scientific articles in SCI articles. He has worked as a researcher at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (USA) and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Leipzig, Germany) and as lecturer at the universities of Magallanes (Southern Chile), Valladolid and Salamanca (Spain).
Yolanda Santiago Calvo holds a degree in Agricultural and Rural Engineering from the University of Valladolid and a Master’s degree in Agroecology from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. Since 2003, she has worked at the Agricultural Technological Institute of Castilla y León (ITACyL), where her technical research activities focus on crop evaluation, pest management, and soil monitoring. She has contributed to collaborative research projects and has extensive experience in public-private partnerships and scientific and technical dissemination.
Ana de Coca is a Forest Technical Engineer (University of Valladolid), Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology (University of Burgos) and got her PhD in the Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineer of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Over the last 15 years she had developed her professional activity within the Regional Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León (URCACyL) managing several innovation projects in the framework of wider European consortia, and considering also issues related to gender equality in the Primary Sector. She had also coordinated initiatives related to rural development and the development of agricultural cooperatives.
José María Santos is an agronomist responsible of the area of Agriculture and Innovation within the Regional Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León (URCACyL) since 1992. He has a strong background on the management of agrarian exploitations and has close links to the Nevares Institute of Agrarian Entepreneurs (INEA).
Laura Birrento is currently a Project Manager at Food4Sustainability, where she works on projects focused on regenerative agriculture, grazing management, and carbon farming. She holds a PhD and an MSc in Animal Production from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (Lisbon, Portugal), with expertise in meat quality and the application of advanced technologies, including proteomics and lipidomics. Laura has authored and co-authored several publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and book chapters, and has presented her research at scientific conferences worldwide.
Technical and Scientific Director at Food4Sustainability CoLab. Scientific researcher with over 15 years of experience in the field of Physiology and Functional genomics of yeasts with a role in Food and Industrial Biotechnology. Invited assistant professor for laboratory courses on Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics. Co-author of 22 publications in international journals with peer review (10 as the first author, 4 as the corresponding author), 2 conference papers, and one book chapter (h-index 17). Participation and coordination of national and international funded projects.
Silvia Alexandra Monteiro Moreira is currently a By-product Valorisation and Management Specialist and Project Manager at Food4Sustainability. She holds a PhD in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition from the Universities of Aveiro and Minho and the Catholic University of Portugal, completed in 2020, with research focused on high-pressure extraction technologies and bioactive compounds. She also holds an MSc in Food Biotechnology (2014) and a BSc in Biotechnology (2012) from the University of Aveiro. With a strong research background, she has authored or co-authored 21 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 9 book chapters, and numerous national and international scientific communications, including oral presentations and posters.
Carmen Asensio Sánchez-Manzanera is a researcher and head of the Department of Field crops at the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León, with over 20 years of experience in plant breeding, field crop research, and agricultural innovation. She holds a PhD from the Universitat of Lleida. Principal investigator of several national research projects and has co-authored multiple publications in international journals. She has contributed to several collaborative research projects. Extensive involvement in public-private sector collaboration and dissemination activities.
María Alonso-Ayuso is a researcher at the Instituto Tecnológico Agrario de Castilla y León. She holds a PhD in Agronomy from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Her research focuses on the impact of agricultural management practices on crop performance, soil nitrogen, and water dynamics, with a particular interest in climate change adaptation strategies for Mediterranean agroecosystems. She has published more than 25 papers in peer-reviewed SCI journals, and has participated in numerous national and international projects, and has made several contributions to scientific congresses. In addition to her academic work, she actively engages in dissemination activities, including technical workshops and publications in sector magazines.
Nádia Luísa Castanheira is a researcher at the Soil Laboratory of the National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.), in Oeiras, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Biology from Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB António Xavier) and a Master’s degree in Management and Conservation of Natural Resources from the University of Lisbon. With 25 years of experience in soil science, her research focuses on sustainable soil management, soil erosion protection, microbial biofertilisation, soil salinisation, and water and solute dynamics. She has authored over 30 ISI-indexed publications and participated in 17 national and international R&D projects, actively contributing to scientific dissemination and outreach activities.
Ana Marta Paz is a researcher at the Soil Laboratory of the National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.), in Oeiras, Portugal. She holds a degree in Agronomy from the University of Lisbon and a PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Mälardalen University, Sweden. Her research focuses on salt-affected soils, soil-water-plant system modelling, and organic carbon stocks in agricultural soils, with a broader interest in soil-climate change interactions. She is also actively involved in science communication and knowledge transfer, contributing to outreach activities and initiatives to raise awareness of soil science and its importance.
.jpeg){kind=avatar}
Maria Regina Rodrigues de Sousa Botelho de Gusmão Valério Menino is an Assistant Researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.), in Oeiras, since 2005, specialising in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. She holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Évora and a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon. She has participated in over 40 national and international research projects and authored more than 100 scientific and technical publications. Her current research focuses on the agronomic valorisation of organic compounds, particularly insect frass, and soil-plant-water interactions, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
The Partners
Non-profit organization dedicated to innovative and sustainable food production, working with a broad network of agri-food stakeholders in Portugal, including policymakers, eager to establish partnerships, disseminate knowledge, and drive the implementation of policies based on local farmers’ needs.
Role in the project
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Description:
Non-profit organization dedicated to innovative and sustainable food production, working with a broad network of agri-food stakeholders in Portugal, including policymakers, eager to establish partnerships, disseminate knowledge, and drive the implementation of policies based on local farmers’ needs.
Role:
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Regional research and technology organisation (RTO) working in close connections with farmers, end-users and other agri-food stakeholders to promote innovation and technological development in the agricultural sector and processing industries. It is involved in research and development, quality certification, and infrastructure development initiatives.
Role in the project
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Description:
Regional research and technology organisation (RTO) working in close connections with farmers, end-users and other agri-food stakeholders to promote innovation and technological development in the agricultural sector and processing industries. It is involved in research and development, quality certification, and infrastructure development initiatives.
Role:
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Association of Agri-Food Cooperatives acting as representative body of the agricultural sector in the region, giving technical advice, advocating for the interests of the more than 190 associated cooperatives and organising regional events and projects.
Role in the project
Farmers connection for the Iberian Living Lab
Description:
Association of Agri-Food Cooperatives acting as representative body of the agricultural sector in the region, giving technical advice, advocating for the interests of the more than 190 associated cooperatives and organising regional events and projects.
Role:
Farmers connection for the Iberian Living Lab
Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) involved in scientific research to promote effective agri-food policies, with connection to national and regional authorities, high experience in agricultural soil monitoring and currently participating in EU projects also related to soil carbon sequestration.
Role in the project
Academia and research connection in the Iberian Living Lab and leading on the identification of macro-environmental barriers and opportunities for implementation of carbon farming practical solutions under WP2
Description:
Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) involved in scientific research to promote effective agri-food policies, with connection to national and regional authorities, high experience in agricultural soil monitoring and currently participating in EU projects also related to soil carbon sequestration.
Role:
Academia and research connection in the Iberian Living Lab and leading on the identification of macro-environmental barriers and opportunities for implementation of carbon farming practical solutions under WP2
Description:
European hub driving agri-food innovation through multi-stakeholder ecosystems. EIT Food is a Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), financed under Horizon Europe. As the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community, EIT Food is building a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. EIT Food brings all players together (industries, startups, universities and research centres) to guide and accelerate the innovation process that will transform the food system.
Role:
Project coordinator and Leader of WP3 on the Coimplementation and macro-analysis of Carbon Farming Practices (CFPs) and WP8 on Sustainable Project Management and Coordination.
Description:
Regional research and technology organisation (RTO) working in close connections with farmers, end-users and other agri-food stakeholders to promote innovation and technological development in the agricultural sector and processing industries. It is involved in research and development, quality certification, and infrastructure development initiatives.
Role:
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Description:
Non-profit organization dedicated to innovative and sustainable food production, working with a broad network of agri-food stakeholders in Portugal, including policymakers, eager to establish partnerships, disseminate knowledge, and drive the implementation of policies based on local farmers’ needs.
Role:
Co-leader of the Iberian Living Lab.
Description:
Non-profit innovation cluster of innovation for ecology smart agrifood chains. Agri Sud-Ouest Innovation brings together most of the economic, political, research and training players in the South-West’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
Role:
Leader of the Southern France Living Lab.
Description:
University with more than 20 years of experience in EU projects, coordination of a robust platform of farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to carbon farming, and soil physico-chemical and biological analyses.
Role:
Leader of Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture (SHARE) Innovation Lab (in Italy) and Leader of WP2 on Co-development of Carbon Farming Practices (CFPs) and cross-fertilisation between Living Labs
Description:
University of agricultural sciences with extensive experience in EU projects with a focus on monitoring systems for GHG emissions and climate variables in crops.
Role:
Leader of Greek Living Lab and Leader of WP5 on Knowledge Transfer and Cooperation outside The Living Lab
Description:
MIGAL Galilee Research Institute is a leading applied research organization in Israel, specializing in agriculture, environment, food technology, and biotechnology. As a multidisciplinary institute, MIGAL collaborates with academia, industry, and policymakers to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture, regenerative practices, climate resilience, and agrivoltaics. Through cutting-edge research and field implementation, MIGAL develops practical solutions that support farmers, enhance food security, and promote ecosystem sustainability.
Role:
Leader of RAGILL-RegenAg Israeli Living Lab and Leader of the WP1 on Co-design of Carbon Farming Living Labs structure and participatory approach
Description:
NEIKER is a public research company with strong expertise in edaphology and soil health, as well as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of agricultural activities. NEIKER also participates in ongoing EU-projects on soil health monitoring (AI4SOILHEALTH) and carbon farming (LIFE CARBON FARMING).
Role:
Transversal partner and Leader of WP4 on Monitoring Carbon Sequestration and Impact Assessment of Living Labs
Description:
Armosys is a spin-off of the University of Milan specialized in agro-environmental modeling and digital solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company is the exclusive provider of the ARMOSA model, a Tier 3 process-based model, that simulates the interactions between soil, crops and atmosphere.
Role:
Transversal partner leading the modelling of future trends of carbon sequestrations under WP4
Description:
BGI is a world-class and venture builder, equipping innovators from all over the world with the right knowledge, tools and networks to succeed, creating a more sustainable and innovative world for all. Agrifood is a leading vertical for BGI, and Ecosystem building and stakeholders engagement a core area of work for our teams
Role:
Transversal partner and Leader of WP7 on Communication, dissemination and stakeholder monitoring
Description:
SME with expertise on targeted business models with a certified carbon certificate programme and expertise on MRV techniques relevant for certification processes. Ability to provide insurance to farmers, trade of carbon sequestration certificates, and consultancy for land investors.
Role:
Transversal partner and Leader of WP6 on Exploitation of CFPs and long-term sustainability of Living Labs
Description:
Global leading company in the dairy and food industry with a broad network of farmers across the EU and strong connections to agri-food stakeholders. Capacity to test solutions and business models, and to develop a practical use case with integration to the value chain.
Role:
Farmers connection for the Southern France Living Lab and Leader of a commercial case study and market analysis under WP6
Description:
Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) giving scientific support for agri-food policies in Spain. It coordinates the overall Spanish participation in European Join Program on Soil (EJP SOIL) focused on climate-smart sustainable management of agricultural soils, and technical coordinator of the national programme for the impact assessment of CAP National Strategic Plan.
Role:
Transversal partner leading the cross-fertilisation activities between LILAS4SOILS Living Labs (WP2) and with other EU initiatives (WP5)
Description:
Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) involved in scientific research to promote effective agri-food policies, with connection to national and regional authorities, high experience in agricultural soil monitoring and currently participating in EU projects also related to soil carbon sequestration.
Role:
Academia and research connection in the Iberian Living Lab and leading on the identification of macro-environmental barriers and opportunities for implementation of carbon farming practical solutions under WP2
Description:
Research and educational organisation linking industry and academia, able to design and test CFPs and develop trainings to disseminate knowledge across Living Labs. Demo-sites provider, with available remote sensing equipment for crops and soils, analytical labs, sensors and other monitoring systems for GHG emissions.
Role:
Academia and research connection in the Greek Living Lab, leading on the macro-analysis of the implemented CFPs under WP3
Description:
Association of Agri-Food Cooperatives acting as representative body of the agricultural sector in the region, giving technical advice, advocating for the interests of the more than 190 associated cooperatives and organising regional events and projects.
Role:
Farmers connection for the Iberian Living Lab
Description:
SME specialized in regenerative agriculture with consultancy and expertise in research & development activities to train and support the development of skills and empowerment of farmers, technicians, and managers.
Role:
Farmers connection for Southern France Living Lab and leading the identification of Lighthouses for demonstration activities under WP3
Description:
Agricultural organization gathering and representing farming companies, protecting farmers and businesses at a national and regional level, offering consultations between social partners and the Government.
Role:
Farmers connection for the Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture (SHARE) Innovation Lab.
Description:
National association of agricultural cooperatives in Greece, promoting collaboration and knowledge transfer among members and abroad, and ensuring the application of internationally standardized methods for quality assurance (ISO).
Role:
Farmers connection for the Greek Living Lab.
Description:
Granot is a regional organization owned by 43 Kibbutzim and Moshavim -- collaborative agricultural communities in Israel. It manages 20 factories and corporations supporting local agriculture, including Ambar, Israel’s largest animal feed mill, and Granot Plantation, one of the country’s largest avocado growers and exporters, cultivating over 30,000 dunams and packing 50,000 tons annually. Granot integrates sustainability across its operations and, in 2023, established a nature and climate venture, Nibbana, to implement nature-positive agricultural projects globally. As part of this commitment, its sustainability arm, Nibbana, focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture, particularly supporting food companies’ Scope 3 targets. Granot participates in the LILAS4SOILS consortium through Nibbana, contributing expertise in agricultural emissions reduction alongside European partners.
Role:
Farmers and Industry connection and integration of innovation and sustainable strategies and measurements
Description:
Agricultural public responsible for carrying out technical and promotional activities for the development and innovation of the agricultural and forestry sectors. It is responsible for the regional soil information system and participant in EU, national, regional projects.
Role:
Regional authority partner for Soil Health & Regenerative Agriculture (SHARE) Innovation Lab and leader of the evaluation of lessons learnt and business model development under WP6.
Description:
Public authority with close relationships with farmers and capacity for decision-making. Authorized Regional Advisor for Innovation, New Technologies and Digital Governance. Deputy Governor for Agriculture & Rural Development.
Role:
Regional authority partner for the Greek Living Lab
Description:
The Upper Galilee Regional Council is the northernmost regional council in Israel, covering the area between the Sea of Galilee and the Lebanese border, from Mount Meron to the Golan slopes. It consists of 29 kibbutzim and approximately 22,000 residents, with a strong emphasis on regional development while preserving local heritage. The council is recognized for its cooperative and innovative agricultural sector, supporting advanced farming practices, environmental sustainability, and rural resilience. It plays a key role in agricultural innovation, education, and economic development, integrating technological solutions to enhance productivity. The region spans 75,000 acres, making it a central hub for agriculture, research, and collaboration with national and international stakeholders. As a key partner in LILAS4SOILS, the council brings extensive experience in fostering regional cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable land management, contributing to the advancement of carbon farming and soil health initiatives in Israel.
Role:
Strengthening inter-municipal cooperation, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices on the ground, and leading replicable models for local governance in Israel, in alignment with the EU Soil Mission.
Description:
Not-for-profit organization focused on conservation agriculture, bringing together 19 national associations of farmers to promote the adoption of best practices through training and technical workshops
Role:
Transversal partner leading the policy advocacy and uptake of CFPs under WP5
Living Labs
