PROSOILplus includes a network of participatory research (PR) farms, established in 2009 as part of the PROSOIL project. These pioneering PR farms inspire participatory research among other farmers, providing a farm-to-farm knowledge exchange.

The PR farmer network acts locally, through regional farmer groups, to develop new ideas. Together, these networks of farmer groups work to create new farming practices and adapt existing agricultural technologies.

This approach strengthens the links between agriculture, research and innovation, with activities on the PR farms driving research activities at Aberystwyth University.

The activities are organised and delivered through three integrated work-packages.

1. Farmer Participatory Research

• Supporting a farmer network across Wales, which acts at a local level to inspire innovation in farming practices and the adaptation of existing agricultural technologies within agricultural systems. Regular regional farmer workshops are held with the six PR farms to facilitate discussion among farmers and to share ideas and knowledge.

2. IBERS Scientific Validation

• Practices and technologies investigated on the PR farms are linked to, and are scientifically-validated in replicated field plots at IBERS.

3. Dissemination

• Key project findings are disseminated across the agricultural supply chain, through and in collaboration with Farming Connect and other industry outreach partners.