Author: Marzia Blasutig

After two years of research, collaboration and cross-border cooperation, the European project CEDRIC, co-funded by the Interreg Italy–Austria 2021–2027 Programme, has officially come to an end. The project leaves behind valuable scientific results, strengthened partnerships, and new perspectives for promoting sustainable agriculture through healthier soils.

The project’s final event, hosted by the University of Udine, brought together researchers, institutions, companies and stakeholders to present the project’s achievements and discuss future opportunities for soil regeneration and agricultural innovation.

Healthy soils start with an invisible world

Healthy soils are fundamental to food security, biodiversity and climate resilience. At the heart of CEDRIC’s research lies the complex community of microorganisms living around plant roots that plays a crucial role in plant nutrition, growth and resistance to environmental stress, namely the rhizosphere microbiome.

Over the course of the project, the partners investigated the potential of soil microbiome transplantation as an innovative strategy to regenerate degraded soils.  The project has demonstrated the potential feasibility of rhizosphere microbiome transplantation as a strategy for the regeneration of degraded soils, with potential benefits for restoring microbial biodiversity and enhancing the soil’s capacity to support healthier and more resilient crops.

These findings represent an important step towards developing nature-based solutions that can contribute to more sustainable farming practices in the future.

Collaboration driving innovation

One of CEDRIC’s greatest strengths has been its interdisciplinary and cross-border approach. Researchers and experts from Italy and Austria combined their knowledge and expertise to address one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: restoring soil health while supporting productive and sustainable farming systems. Beyond the scientific outcomes, CEDRIC also highlighted the importance of transferring research results into practical applications that can benefit farmers, businesses and society.

Bringing science closer to society

CEDRIC had also a deep commitment to science communication and public engagement. Throughout the project, partners organised educational activities, public events and outreach initiatives involving schools, students and local communities. These activities helped raise awareness of the essential role of soil biodiversity and encouraged dialogue between researchers and citizens on the importance of protecting this vital natural resource.

By making complex scientific concepts more accessible, the project contributed to building greater understanding of how healthy soils support healthy ecosystems, sustainable agriculture and ultimately human well-being.

Looking ahead

Although the project has come to an end, the challenges it addressed remain highly relevant. During the final roundtable discussion, participants highlighted the need to move from short-term interventions towards long-term soil regeneration strategies based on scientific evidence and ecological processes.

Particular attention was also given to the growing role of artificial intelligence in agriculture. Integrating microbiological, climatic, genetic and physiological data will enable increasingly sophisticated predictive models, helping researchers and farmers better anticipate environmental stress and make more informed decisions for sustainable crop management.

CEDRIC concludes leaving behind a strong cross-border network of researchers and institutions, valuable knowledge on soil microbiomes, and a shared vision of soil as a living ecosystem that deserves protection and restoration. The project demonstrates how crossborder and international cooperation, scientific excellence and knowledge sharing can contribute to developing innovative solutions for healthier soils, more resilient agriculture and a more sustainable future.

Relive the CEDRIC journey

Watch the CEDRIC promotional video and revisit two years of research, collaboration and innovation dedicated to the future of soil health.

The CEDRIC project, dedicated for more than two years to developing innovative microbiological approaches for the recovery of degraded and nutrient-poor soils, is now approaching its conclusion. Throughout the project, researchers, companies, and institutional actors have worked together to explore new solutions for sustainable agriculture and resilient soil management.

To mark the end of this journey, the CEDRIC project is pleased to announce its final event, taking place on July 6^th, 2026, from 09:00 to 14:00, at the Auditorium of the Biblioteca Nuova dei Rizzi, in Via Fausto Schiavi 44, Udine, Italy.

The event will present the main results of the CEDRIC project and open a discussion on future opportunities for research and innovation in soil science and agriculture. The round table, titled “Cultivating the future: science, opportunities and stakeholders for soil benefit”, will bring together distinguished experts from academia and industry, including:

• Roberto Pinton – Professor of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Udine, Italy
• Luca Turello – Agribusiness Expert
• Paolo Tonello – Director of the Phytosanitary and Chemical Service, Research, Experimentation and Technical Assistance, Agenzia regionale per lo sviluppo rurale, ERSA Fvg, Italy
• Silvia Fluch – Head of Research and Development, Hechenbichler GmbH, Austria
• Christian Rinke – Professor of Environmental Microbiology, Austria

The discussion will be moderated by Vittorio Venturi, who emphasized the importance of the CEDRIC project in promoting new approaches to soil microbiology and in paving the way for innovative strategies for sustainable soil recovery and management.

The speakers’ contributions will provide a multidisciplinary perspective on how science, industry, and stakeholders can jointly support sustainable soil management and agricultural innovation.

The event will conclude with a buffet lunch, offering participants an informal opportunity for networking and exchange.

To participate, please register here.

The new temporary exhibition “Funga” is running from February 10^th, 2026 to February 7^th, 2027 at Museo Scienze Naturali Alto Adige, Biodiversity Center, inviting the visitors to discover the fascinating and mysterious world of fungi.

The exhibition explores how this kingdom drive ecological cycles, build soils and enable symbiotic relationships through their mycelial networks. From their ancient origins to their influence on the evolution of ecosystems, it highlights their key role in nature and close connection to humans, from skin and gut microbiomes to health and disease.

Alongside a scientific approach, the exhibition also opens up cultural perspectives, exploring the use of fungi in traditional remedies and rituals, as well as their presence in myths and their role as powerful symbols in art and contemporary pop culture.

FUNGA invites us to view the world from a new perspective: one that is more interconnected and surprisingly alive.

Check out the website here and book your visit!

Following the success of its first edition, the CEDRIC Project recently hosted its second webinar series, focusing on the intersection between agriculture and sustainability. The series brought together international experts to share insights, experiences, and innovative approaches, aiming at promoting dialogue and cross-sector collaboration among participants.

The first webinar was held by Prof. Vito Armando Laudicina from University of Palermo (Italy) on Thursday, February 12^th, at 11 a.m. The talked was titled “Innovative mulching films for sustainable agriculture”. The recorded webinar is available here.

The following session was scheduled on Wednesday, February 25^th at 11 a.m. with Prof. Abdelghani Chehbouni, Assoc. Dean & Director, CRSA, UMP6P – Benguerir, and has covered the topic of Managing Water Resources under Climate Uncertainty. The recorded webinar is available here.

Finally, the last webinar was held on Thursday, March 5^th at 11 a.m. with Christian Partl, from Austria, focusing on Landscape, Landraces and Diversity. The session can be watched here.

Across the three sessions, several key themes emerged, highlighting trends, innovations, and challenges in the sector of sustainable agriculture.

The series attracted a diverse international audience, encouraging knowledge exchange between researchers, industry professionals, and regional stakeholders operating in the field.

Being part of Work Package 4 (WP4) of the CEDRIC Project, this second series of webinars further strengthened the project’s commitment to the dissemination of the project’s objectives and fostering international collaboration. You can access the CEDRIC Knowledge Tree to watch the recorded webinars and download presentations.