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SPIN-FERT General Assembly Meeting
May 28 – May 30
Tarragona, Spain
SPIN-FERT General Assembly Meeting
Dates: 28–30 May 2025
Location: Tarragona, Spain
Host: EURECAT
The SPIN-FERT consortium convened in Tarragona for its General Assembly Meeting, bringing together representatives from partner institutions, researchers, and collaborators for three days of presentations, discussions, and strategic planning. Hosted by EURECAT Technology Centre, the meeting highlighted significant progress across all work packages (WPs), deepened inter-consortium collaboration, and reinforced connections with broader Mission Soil initiatives.
SPIN-FERT’s 1st anniversary
This year’s meeting was significant as we also celebrated SPIN-FERT’s 1st anniversary with the entire consortium! Over the past year, we’ve achieved exciting milestones, launched innovative collaborations, and expanded our impact in sustainable soil and substrate management. The General Assembly offered the perfect opportunity to reflect on this progress and plan for the future.
SPIN-FERT General Assembly Meeting Highlights:
Day 1 – Wednesday, 28 May 2025
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Eligio Malusà (INHORT) and EURECAT, followed by an introduction to the new EC Project Officer, Amanda Ozin.
A key highlight was the presentation by Tomislav Hengl on AI4SoilHealth, which opened avenues for collaboration between SPIN-FERT and digital soil monitoring initiatives.
Prof. Malusà and Katarzyna Holownicka provided an update on WP7, covering consortium coordination, data management, ethics, and gender assessment.
The latter part of the day focused on WP2, led by EURECAT, with detailed updates on the formulation and encapsulation of microbial inocula (TUG, NIAB, Intermag, UTWE) and the scaling up of artificial humic acid production (Humify).
The day concluded with a summary session and a guided visit to the historical city of Tarragona.
Day 2 – Thursday, 29 May 2025
The second day continued with updates on WP2, focusing on the development of peat-free substrates (CAVIRO/ENOMOND, RECOIR, NIAB) and innovative biostimulant formulations (EURECAT).
The morning proceeded with a session on WP3, led by Maria Grazia Tommasini (RINOVA), showcasing activities across horticultural sectors (RINOVA, NIAB, INHORT, CTIFL, CREA) followed by a discussion focusing on integrated soil management and demonstration activities.
After lunch, WP1 was presented by Joanna Hoffmann (FASSF/ASN), who detailed dissemination and communication activities, emphasising the importance of stakeholder engagement. An open discussion on future strategies followed the presentation.
Later, WP5 on soil biodiversity and ecosystem services to support policies was presented by TUG, followed by an engaging session on WP6 (sustainability and socio-economic impact) led by UHOH, CAVIRO, and CREA. This session addressed sustainability assessments, consumer perceptions, and preliminary socio-economic evaluations.
The networking dinner concluded the day’s events.
Day 3 – Friday, 30 May 2025
The final day opened with a brainstorming session involving other Mission Soil projects (SoilTribes, SoilScape, ECHO, SoilHive) and collaboration with Hort2theFuture. It provided a platform for cross-project synergies and knowledge exchange.
Following this, WP4 was discussed, focusing on the development of a rapid soil quality assessment toolbox. Loredana Canfora from CREA coordinated the session, supported by updates from OTH, CNR NANO, INTA, CNR ISB, IA-PAS, and ATB.
The assembly concluded with Advisory Board recommendations, general planning, and wrap-up discussions, emphasising alignment with long-term goals and deliverables under the Horizon Europe framework.
Concluding Remarks
The Tarragona GA marked a pivotal moment for SPIN-FERT, with substantial advancements across all WPs, promising cross-project collaborations, and a reinforced commitment to sustainable soil and substrate management. The host, EURECAT, was acknowledged for their exceptional organisation and hospitality.
Exploring Tarragona Together
Beyond the engaging sessions and collaborative discussions, we also had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of Tarragona! From its stunning Roman ruins to the charming seaside views, the sightseeing was a true highlight that brought extra energy and joy to the gathering—making our time together even more memorable and inspiring.
