TUdi at the European Grassland Federation general meeting 2024

The European Grassland Federation (EGF) is a platform for students, researchers, advisors, educators, industry professionals, farmers, policymakers, and anyone with a keen interest in all aspects of grassland in Europe. This includes the use and management of various types of grasslands for production and other ecosystem services.

From 9-13 June 2024, they held their 30th General Meeting, hosted by the Dutch-Flemish Society for Grassland and Fodder Crops (NVWV). The meeting took place in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands and was attended by 325 participants from 35 countries. 

This year’s theme was “Why grasslands?”, questioning whether grasslands are important, and if so, why? The meeting focused on the growing threat to grasslands in Europe, caused by factors such as urbanisation, conversion to other crops, and other influences contributing to their gradual disappearance. Naturally, the loss of grasslands would result in the loss of their many benefits, including biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, soil health preservation, water regulation, and more.

The scientific program was organised into five plenary sessions:

• WHAT: What role do grasslands play in ensuring food security?

• HOW: How can we balance ecosystem services?

• WHICH: What methods can be applied to monitor, assess, and guide grassland management?

• WHERE: Where should we prioritise specific ecosystem services?

• WHOM: Who benefits from grasslands?

TUdi’s partners participated in the event by presenting a poster titled “Management and Vegetation Affect Grassland Soil Organic Carbon Stocks.”