Connecting actors,
informing decisions and
valuing ecosystem services,
for grassland multifunctionality
in livestock systems
About GrassConnect
Grass-based farms store carbon, purify water and hold our landscapes together.
GrassConnect is a European project dedicated to protecting grass-based livestock farms, which are vital for our food security and provide essential ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, water purification, and the maintenance of iconic landscapes.
To tackle growing threats from climate change and shifting land use, the project establishes a powerful network of 13 Multi-Actor Grassland Hubs (MAGHubs) across 11 countries. These hubs bring together farmers, scientists, industry leaders, and citizens to co-design sustainable, locally adapted farming strategies.
To support these strategies on the ground, GrassConnect is developing user-friendly digital tools that integrate Earth Observation data from satellites like Copernicus.
These advanced tools will help monitor and assess these ecosystem services, guiding daily farm management and ultimately helping policymakers and businesses fairly reward farmers for their environmental stewardship, ensuring a climate-resilient food system and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
At a glance
A continent-wide effort
Our Approach
GrassConnect combines five interconnected pillars, co-designed and tested with farmers, advisors, researchers, businesses, public authorities and civil society through 13 Multi-Actor Grassland Hubs in 11 countries. Together, they turn scientific evidence and local knowledge into practical, economically viable solutions that balance productive livestock farming, ecosystem health, climate resilience and farmer well-being.
Multifunctionality
Balancing benefits between production, soil carbon and health, water, biodiversity and resilient farming systems.
Ecosystem Services Monitoring
Tracking soil carbon and health, water, biodiversity and landscape benefits from field to satellite. 20+ protocols and methods for monitoring, reporting and verification of ecosystem services adapted to companies and stakeholder needs.
Tools for Better Farm and Grassland Decisions
Combining Earth Observation Data (e.g. Copernicus), AI, multifunctionality calculator
to guide farmers, advisors and policymakers.
Socio-Economic &
Policy Assessment
Assessing Social, Technical, Economic and Policy (STEP) dimensions together to understand what enables or constrains change. This evidence will support workable incentives, responsible value-chain strategies, payments for ecosystem services and recommendations for regional, national and European policies.
Practice-Oriented Knowledge
Turning research into action through co-creation in the MAGHubs, on-farm demonstrations, cross-visits, peer-to-peer learning, training, practical videos, guidance materials and an accessible toolkit designed for real-world use and long-term uptake.
13 MAGHubs
(Multi-Actor Grassland Hubs)
across 11 countries
MAGHubs
MAGHubs covering various pedoclimatic conditions and challenges
A MAGHub network for grass-based livestock systems.
Connecting farmers, advisors, researchers, industry, NGOs, policy actors and citizens to co-design practical solutions for multifunctional grasslands.
Our Partners
Associated Partners
