How can we make agriculture work with nature? 

In our recent webinar, experts, farmers, and policymakers gathered to explore practical answers to this question. From ecological restoration to innovative financial tools, the discussion highlighted concrete ways to turn scientific knowledge into real impact on the ground. This online event was followed by around 50 people. 

The webinar was hosted by Francisco Ferreira and Paula Antunes from CENSE, NOVA School of Science and Technology. During the session, Paula Antunes presented the results of the BONEX project, highlighting the Nexus Bridging Plan for the Alentejo case study. 

The programme also featured Nuno Gaspar de Oliveira (NBI), who discussed nature-based solutions in agriculture, and José Muñoz-Rojas (MED-CHANGE, University of Évora), who shared research on the effects of mulch and mulch-biochar on soil ecosystem services in olive groves, vineyards, and montados. The discussion that followed brought together the speakers and Joaquim Freire de Andrade (Sinverpart), a farmer and partner in the BONEX project, moderated by Rui Ferreira dos Santos (CENSE- NOVA FCT). 

The discussion focused on how to bridge the gap between science and farmers’ real-world needs, the challenges of short-term scientific projects, and the potential of nature-based solutions to deliver tangible ecological benefits. Participants highlighted the need for better institutional support, more practical and locally adapted solutions, and innovative financial and policy tools to recognise farmers as ecosystem managers and to support long-term sustainable change. 

Science & Farmers: Bridging the Gap 

• Farmers often feel used merely as “tools” for scientific projects. 

• Need for permanent support structures similar to rural extension services in other countries. 

• Researchers must work closely with producers, offering practical solutions tailored to real challenges. 

Scientific Research Challenges 

• Short project cycles hinder lasting impact. 

• Research often prioritizes publications over practical outcomes. 

• Long-term projects like living labs are crucial to involve local communities effectively. 

Nature-based Solutions & Ecological Restoration 

• Benefits can appear quickly, e.g., through cover crops or grassing. 

• Recognizing uncultivated areas as essential providers of ecosystem services. 

• Farmers should be acknowledged as ecosystem managers, highlighting their role in biodiversity conservation. 

Role of Institutions 

• Greater involvement needed from ministries and public agencies on the ground. 

• Continuous technical support in farms to improve agroecological management. 

• Active participation from universities, research centers, and local associations. 

Economic Instruments & Policy 

• Current policies are fragmented and sometimes contradictory. 

• Bureaucracy and penalties for unrecognized ecological practices block action. 

• Need for governance reform to enhance coordination: 
• Collaboration between public and private institutions.
• Integration across sectors: environment, agriculture, spatial planning.
• Direct involvement of farmers in policy design. 

Innovative Proposals 

• Create a “natural capital” management entity bringing together farmers, investors, and environmental bodies. 

• Introduce ecological farm accounts that include environmental and economic indicators. 

• Develop regional operational plans adapted to Portugal’s fragmented land ownership. 

Financing the Transition 

• Stable, diversified funding remains one of the biggest obstacles. 

• Combine public funding with private mechanisms like: 
• Carbon and biodiversity credits. 
• Social and environmental investments. 
• Certification and niche markets. 

• Shift from paying for practices to paying for results.