Grassland without borders

Grasslands without borders: developing a European network for Horizon Europe proposals on grasslands and grazing systems
Grasslands play a key role in European agriculture. They support food production, biodiversity, climate resilience and attractive landscapes, while forming the basis of grassland-based livestock systems. At the same time, grasslands across Europe face increasing pressure from climate change, land-use competition, socio-economic developments and evolving policy frameworks. Addressing these challenges requires cooperation that goes beyond national borders.
This project represents a strategic investment in strengthening European collaboration around sustainable grassland-based livestock management. Led by Aeres University of Applied Sciences, and in close cooperation with core partners in Germany and Romania, the project focuses on building a durable international network that is well positioned to participate in European research and innovation programmes, particularly Horizon Europe. The project does not conduct research itself, but creates the strategic, organisational and relational conditions needed to jointly develop high-quality European project proposals.
The network brings together complementary expertise in grassland management, grazing systems, livestock husbandry, biodiversity, agricultural economics, policy and multi-actor innovation. Starting from a strong core team with members from the Netherlands, Romania and Germany, the network will be further expanded during the project by engaging additional European academic and practice-oriented partners. Key activities include network activation, consortium building, trust-based development through online and physical meetings, and collaborative preparation of a Horizon Europe proposal.
By investing in this network, Aeres University of Applied Sciences strengthens its institutional capacity for European collaboration and stimulates learning among researchers, lecturers and early-career staff. Ultimately, the network lays the foundation for long-term European cooperation that supports sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and resilient rural systems across Europe.