Help Shape the Future of Sustainable Cropping

Join the UK Crop‑MATCHING Practice Group

UK stakeholders are invited to play a part in shaping the future of sustainable cropping by joining the Crop‑MATCHING Multi‑Actor Community — a European initiative focused on improving crop management for healthier soils, stronger biodiversity and more resilient farming systems.

Led in the UK by researchers at Newcastle University, in close collaboration with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), the Crop‑MATCHING community brings together people from industry, policy, civil society and academia. Industry voices are particularly encouraged to get involved and help shape practical, scalable solutions that work on the ground.

A space to learn, share and collaborate

The Crop‑MATCHING Multi‑Actor Community provides a collaborative space for knowledge exchange, innovation and peer learning. Members can:

Connect with farmers, researchers, advisors and policymakers across the UK and Europe
Access tailored tools and resources to support sustainable cropping and land management
Share experience and insight to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity and support climate adaptation
Take part in events, working groups and peer‑learning activities

The UK community is one of ten national practice groups across Europe, all linked through a wider European thematic network and project consortium.

Join the UK Practice Group kick‑off

Registered stakeholders are invited to the UK Practice Group Kick‑Off Meeting — the first opportunity to connect with other UK participants, share perspectives and help shape the direction of the UK group within the wider Crop‑MATCHING platform.

Date & time: 29 April 2026, 11:00–12:00
Location: Online

Register here

About Crop-MATCHING

Crop‑MATCHING is a four‑year project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. Working with partners in 13 countries, the project supports farmers and foresters to adopt environmentally sustainable practices that deliver both ecological and economic benefits, while strengthening rural economies.

Why get involved?

By joining the Crop‑MATCHING community, participants will benefit from:

Access to a growing network of industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and practitioners
Practical tools and resources to support more sustainable cropping systems
Opportunities to influence real‑world solutions that reduce inputs, improve soil health and enhance biodiversity
A chance to learn from peers and contribute to innovation at both national and European levels

Stakeholders are also encouraged to share this opportunity within their own networks and suggest other organisations or individuals who may benefit from taking part.

Paul Bilsborrow, Co-Investigator on Crop-MATCHING at Newcastle University said:

“We’re looking forward to contributing to the Crop-MATCHING project. Sustainable cropping practices – such as intercropping, cover cropping, and companion planting – have strong potential to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and boost productivity, while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

The launch of the UK Practice Group is an exciting opportunity to connect stakeholders across farming, forestry, land management, and beyond. Through the Crop-MATCHING Multi-Actor Community, we aim to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation to drive more resilient and sustainable farming systems.”

How to get involved

To join the UK Crop‑MATCHING Multi‑Actor Community and receive an invitation to the kick‑off meeting, please complete the registration form using the button below.

For further information, contact Dr Barbara Tocco at
📧 barbara.tocco@newcastle.ac.uk

Sign Up Here