The FENIX project recently hosted its fourth General Assembly in Thessaloniki, Greece. Organized by ELGO, the two-day event gathered consortium partners to assess progress and plan upcoming activities. This meeting marked an important checkpoint in the project, which aims to develop soil improvers from biogas by-products to support agricultural sustainability across the EU. Concetta di Paolo from Eurofins Agroscience Services Regulatory echoed this focus, stating, “The best thing about the project is its focus on sustainability. Because this project really aims to give new life to biowaste and to turn these materials into innovative soil improvement.“

The first day of the meeting started with discussions on the most transversal work packages. The agenda began with project management (WP7) and communication and dissemination efforts (WP6), followed by regulatory aspects and impact monitoring (WP5). Partners then delved into more technical subjects, reviewing progress on soil improver substrate selection for lab tests (WP1). A deep dialogue was held to define key parameters for biochar application, ensuring solid and long-lasting effects. Further updates were presented on laboratory test activities (WP2) where great efforts will be directed in the next 6 months. In the afternoon, attendees toured ELGO facilities and explored the different laboratories where tests on the soil amendment mixtures will be conducted. The day concluded with dinner in a local restaurant, offering the consortium an opportunity to taste Greek cuisine.

On the second day, discussions resumed with further updates on pilot-scale production of the soil improvement product (WP3). Ethical considerations (WP8) were also addressed before the meeting wrapped up. The agenda closed with a guided tour of Thessaloniki, providing participants an opportunity to explore the city together.

This gathering provided a platform for revising risks, milestones, and deliverables, and it allowed the consortium to align on priorities for the next six months. The collaboration among partners from four EU countries continues to strengthen efforts to recover poor soils and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

By: L. Salinas
Editorial: M. Romero
Photography: E. González
November 2024

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