The core of the Field Lab work package is the testing and further development of prototypes under practical conditions in close collaboration between research and industry. It concerns prototypes that originate from the work packages described above. Within the Field Lab, a first technical evaluation takes place (how well does it work). In addition, attention is paid to the economy and sustainability of the application. The Field Lab is also a powerful communication tool with (and to) the sector as a whole.
The Field Lab makes use of trial and practice fields and plots from Wageningen Plant Research with uniform soil quality and wide availability of data on soil and field history.
Each year the cycle is: planning the test, conducting & observing, evaluating objectives and elaborating suggestions for improvement.
In order to maximize the chances of success in practice for sustainable innovation, scientific knowledge is used on the one hand, and visions and practical experience of companies, farmers and other stakeholders on the other hand. This means a process in the project with regular feedback moments from a broad group of potential users and stakeholders. This is designed cooperation with work package 7 (stakeholder interaction and communication).