INTERESH at Terra 26

On 9 and 10 September 2026, Terra 26 - Enraizados no Futuro took place in Golegã, Portugal. The event focused on regenerative agriculture and the future of farming systems. Key topics included soil health, natural resource management and agricultural practices that can contribute to more sustainable farming.

The festival recorded 1,800 registrations and brought together farmers, researchers and agricultural professionals interested in learning about and discussing experiences in regenerative agriculture.

The event was attended by Professor Cristina Cruz, from the Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa and Group Leader of the Plant-Soil Ecology Research Group at cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, a project partner and leader of INTERESH Experimental Action 1, which focuses on the recovery and reuse of olive oil production residues through nature-based solutions.

From regenerative agriculture to soil research

During the event, Cristina Cruz presented INTERESH and the research activities that the project is developing in Apulia to improve agricultural soil health.

INTERESH includes four Experimental Actions focused on the recovery and reuse of agricultural residues, precision fertigation, biofertilisers and the development of digital tools for land management.

Experimental Action 1, in particular, explores how olive oil production residues can be used to obtain new materials for agriculture, through processes that include the production of substrates for mushroom cultivation and compost.

The topic is closely connected to regenerative agriculture, which considers soil management, resource recovery and waste reduction important elements for the future of agricultural production.

Participation in Terra 26 gave INTERESH an opportunity to bring the experience developed in Apulia into the international discussion on regenerative agriculture and soil health.

More information is available on the Terra 26 website.