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2. BACKGROUND

Population growth, economic expansion, urbanization, industrialization, and intensified
agriculture have led to escalating waste challenges. Sustainable waste disposal is imperative,
and methods like bio-composting and vermicomposting convert various wastes into valuable
agricultural resources, offering an eco-friendly solution.
Industrial agriculture's heavy reliance on agrichemicals is a major cause of soil degradation and
accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. The economic and
environmental toll of these chemicals, along with landfill costs, necessitates a shift in
agricultural practices. Vermicomposting, the process of using earthworms to break down
organic waste into high-quality organic fertilizer, is gaining traction as a sustainable approach
to food production and waste management.

Europe benefits economically, environmentally, and socially from integrating
vermicomposting into agricultural and waste management practices, enhancing resilience to
climate change, resource scarcity, and land degradation.

The PowerWORMS project is inspired by the transformative potential of earthworms in our
food system, offering a sustainable solution to organic waste management and fostering a local
organic food movement. It encourages the adoption of vermicomposting in both urban and rural
European farming sectors across various governance models.

Charles Darwin recognized the profound impact of earthworms on agriculture, asserting their
significance to the economy. Embracing this vision, partners from five European countries have
united to support sustainable soil management under the New Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP) 2023-2027 and the European Soil Strategy (ESS), advocating vermicomposting as a
future-oriented practice for sustainable agriculture and waste management in Europe.

The PowerWORMS consortium is committed to enhancing the response of EU agriculture to
societal demands for safe, nutritious, and sustainable food. It aims to reduce food waste, foster
sustainable development, and manage natural resources effectively. The consortium promotes
education and training in vermicomposting for a diverse audience, including farmers, students,
families, teachers, and professionals, to further these goals.

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