Kickoff Meeting
The INTERESH project was officially launched at the University of Foggia
A European Initiative Advancing Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in the context of the Apulia region
The INTERESH project was officially launched at the University of Foggia on the 29th and 30th September 2025. The kick-off meeting marked the start of a 36-month European initiative funded under the Horizon Europe programme, centered on tackling climate change and improving soil health for sustainable farming. Coordinated by the University of Foggia, INTERESH aims to deliver concrete and innovative solutions to the environmental pressures affecting agricultural systems, particularly those related to soil protection and efficient use of resources.
Built on multidisciplinary scientific work involving institutions, research bodies, agricultural businesses, trade associations and local producers, the project is rooted in the Apulia Region, which, despite its rich and varied agricultural production, faces complex environmental challenges including soil degradation, increasing water scarcity and the unsustainable use of natural resources.
The project is led by Professor Nicola Faccilongo’s research team and is directly relevant to the EU Mission A Soil Deal for Europe, and to its policy priorities. INTERESH involves several local actors of the agricultural landscape in Apulia, including two of the main farmers’ organisations active in the region. Key research input will be provided by other European partners, like the University of Gent, with its Precision Soil and Crop Engineering(Precision SCoRing) group led by prof. Abdul Mouazen, and by the University of Lisbon, Plant-Soil Ecology group, led by prof. Cristina Cruz.
Photo credits: University of Foggia