News & Events

October 2026

Community-based water retention in Székelydálya recognised as a European good practice

The EU CAP Network has highlighted the community-based water retention initiative in Székelydálya, Harghita County, as a good practice. In response to climate change and increasing water scarcity, small-scale, nature-based check dams were constructed in drying streambeds from 2025 onwards. Since then, more than thirty water retention structures made from locally available materials have been established in Székelydálya and neighbouring settlements. These structures slow down water runoff, promote infiltration into the soil and contribute to the long-term preservation of local water resources.

ACNT (Asociația pentru Conservarea Naturii și Tradițiilor), the Romanian partner of the REAGRY project, has played an active role in implementing the initiative. The approach in Székelydálya closely reflects the objectives of REAGRY: combining traditional and local knowledge, scientific expertise and nature-based solutions to strengthen climate adaptation. Through its Living Labs, REAGRY brings together farmers, researchers, local communities and decision-makers to jointly identify and test practices that can increase the climate resilience of rural landscapes. The experience gained in Székelydálya can therefore directly contribute to REAGRY’s shared knowledge base and to developing solutions that can be adapted and transferred to other European regions.

Read the article (Transtelex, in Hungarian)

2026

New Publication on the Ecological, Nutritional and Socio-Economic Impacts of Regenerative Grazing

A new comprehensive review, Ecological, Nutritional, and Socio-Economic Impacts of Regenerative Grazing Systems. A Review, has been published, addressing topics closely related to the objectives of the REAGRY project.

The authors synthesized evidence from 125 scientific studies published between 1980 and 2025, covering soil properties, soil fauna, vegetation, pollinators, animal product quality and socio-economic aspects. The strongest scientific evidence supports positive effects of regenerative grazing on soil properties, including increased soil organic carbon. Positive results have also been observed in the fatty acid composition of earthworm communities and animal products. However, in several of the areas studied, there is still little data available, or the data is contradictory.

The review highlights the importance of standardized, long-term and multi-site research integrating ecological, nutritional and socio-economic indicators – an approach that is also central to the research activities of REAGRY.

Read the Article (DOI)

June 2026

REAGRY Project Officially Launched

The REAGRY consortium successfully held its Kick-off Meeting, bringing together partners from Hungary, Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Türkiye to begin the project's joint work on agroecological transitions and regenerative grazing systems.

The meeting provided an opportunity for consortium members to get to know each other, present their expertise, and discuss how the different Work Packages will contribute to the overall project objectives. Throughout the two-day event, partners reviewed the planned activities, expected outcomes, and collaboration mechanisms that will guide the project over the coming years.

Harmonising methodologies across five countries

A major focus of the discussions was the harmonization of methodologies across the participating countries. Partners explored the development of common indicators that will allow comparable assessment of ecological, environmental, and socio-economic impacts across all Living Labs. Initial discussions also addressed monitoring approaches, stakeholder engagement strategies, and data collection frameworks.

First implementation steps

The consortium further discussed the first implementation steps of the project, including stakeholder mapping, the identification of Living Lab participants, and the preparation of farmer interviews and surveys. These activities will help establish a strong understanding of local contexts, farming practices, challenges, and opportunities in each pilot region.

Collaboration at the heart of REAGRY

The Kick-off Meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers, farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders. Through the Living Lab approach and Farmer Learning Networks, REAGRY aims to co-create practical, science-based solutions that support resilient and sustainable grazing systems while enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to close cooperation, transparent communication, and the development of harmonized tools and approaches that can support agroecological transitions across Europe.

The REAGRY project is now officially underway, and the consortium looks forward to the next phase of activities and collaboration.