KASSA results may feed:
1- a number of areas of the Global Change and Ecosystems sub-priority research, in particular V.1.1 and V.2.1. Numerous papers are published on the impacts of agro-ecological systems and technologies on soil properties and functional improvement such as carbon stratification and sequestration, biodiversity recovery and bio-reactivity processes; the limiting of negative processes such erosion and desertification; the water cycle: runoff and flood mitigation; agro-biodiversity, cover crops, crop rotation and weed and pest management, etc.;
2- two main research tasks of the 5th priority: Food security and safety (T31 and T32). Agro-ecological systems improve soil physical, chemical and especially biological properties; consecutive soil transformation, purification and buffering functions will protect and enhance water and food chain quality and safety. In parallel, cover crops and crop rotation improve soil fertility, quality and nutrient cycles and also reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases and weed infestation; it leads to better management and a drastic reduction of external chemical inputs;
3- policy-oriented research, sub-priority 8.1, and mainly areas under the Sustainable management of Europe's natural resources priority. In particular, results on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of agro-ecological systems and technologies may reinforce research areas addressing the modernisation and sustainability of agriculture (8.1.B.1.1), tools and assessment methods for sustainable agriculture management (8.1.B.1.2) and environmental assessment (8.1.B.1.5).
The results will be widely disseminated beyond the EU and participating countries and research teams. In addition to the reports released (publications, CD-ROM), easy access to information will be provided on a web site, in an appropriate format directly meeting the requirements of stakeholders: farmers and extensionists, researchers, civil society representatives and policymakers. The project Central Coordinator will operate and update this web site beyond the project duration.
In the context of globalisation, European countries undoubtedly have an interest in contributing to the development of global/local solutions aiming at agricultural and environmental sustainability, food security and safety, poverty alleviation and economic and social viability. Developing an interconnected initiative, KASSA will mobilise substantial European and Southern research capacity as well as CGIAR programmes. This should lead to the identifying of fundamental processes, factor interactions and resulting impacts that will jointly benefit agriculture in Europe and in Southern countries. Gap identification may enable progress in knowledge and strengthen technological innovation and expertise capacity in support of agricultural viability as well as Europe-South solidarity in addressing challenging issues.
1. Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research
