On November 13th, we gathered at Wik Castle with a wonderful group of farmers, horticulturalists and students – all with a shared interest in how we can build healthier soils and store more carbon in our landscapes. The atmosphere was warm, thanks to the participants who were eager to meet others who grapple with, and are driven by, similar issues in their daily lives.
Jessica Johansson from Swedish Coal Storage gave a well-received lecture where she gave a clear overview of how Swedish farms work with carbon sequestration methods, how monitoring works in practice and what is required to make both ecology and economics work together. She generously offered experiences from the national living lab that Swedish Carbon Sequestration runs, where incentives, knowledge dissemination and research are woven together to create concrete changes in the field.
Jessica from Swedish Coal Storage
After lunch and coffee, the discussions continued in smaller groups. The discussions aimed to ensure that the participants would come up with concrete proposals and ideas for future meetings on the theme of carbon storage. The participants' commitment was evident and the ideas were many. Here are some of the proposals for future meetings that were highlighted:
- Study visit to one of the country's most experienced coal storage companies, with a holistic perspective on the farm.
- Small-scale focus – how horticulturalists and small-scale farmers can work with carbon sequestration.
- Immersion in microlife – composting, bokashi, mulching and cultivation methods that benefit micro-life.
- The business of coal storage – organizations, verification, common definitions and how the entire sector can be included.
- Weed management with catch crops, with a focus on living roots and cover crops.
- Holistic grazing planning – an introduction to holistic thinking and regenerative pasture planning.
- Fiber hemp – cultivation, economics and possible market.
- Regenerative weed management – practical examples from farms.
- Which measures provide the most carbon sequestration? – a specific ranking.
- Mushrooms & mycelium – the role of fungi in carbon storage and soil structure.
- Inspiration from the Soil Health Conference in Lundbro.
Participants share experiences and discuss ideas for future meetings
We are incredibly happy with everyone who participated, shared experiences and so generously contributed with both questions and ideas. It is clear that carbon storage is engaging, not only at the system level but in the practical everyday work out on the farms.
Now we would like to continue on this journey with you.
Do you have thoughts, ideas or projects that you would like us to highlight in future meetings? Let us know! We are planning more meetings and study visits about carbon sequestration and soil health in the future.
The meeting was organized together with Organic Farmers Uppland within Upplandsbygd's project We Planet Caretakers.
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Many thanks for an inspiring afternoon. We look forward to the next step!