SCOOP: Guidelines on Living Lab methodology for innovative intercropping

Summary

This deliverable from the CORE Organic Cofund project SCOOP outlines practical guidelines for establishing and managing Living Labs (LLs) as a methodology for fostering intercropping innovations in organic farming systems. Drawing on experiences from four LLs across Europe, the report highlights the relevance of LLs as dynamic, multi-actor environments that support co-creation, testing, and adaptation of sustainable agricultural practices under real-world conditions. The SCOOP project focused on integrating intercropping into local organic systems and introducing lesser-known crops—particularly camelina—into production, processing, and market value chains. The LLs facilitated stakeholder engagement, real-world experimentation, and knowledge exchange, despite constraints such as limited project duration and resource availability. Key methodological insights are presented, including steps for actor identification, objective setting, co-creation facilitation, trial implementation, and policy engagement. The report concludes with tailored recommendations for applying LLs to complex agroecological challenges, positioning this approach as a promising tool for promoting biodiversity, resilience, and innovation in organic farming.