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"Numerous innovations have been developed by Operational Groups (OGs) which hold the potential to benefit the forestry and agroforestry sectors. However, the results remain mainly localised." Francesca Giannetti is from the Horizon Europe project FOREST4EU, which has been initiated to ensure that innovative OG outcomes are shared beyond national borders.

Farmers today are confronted with a variety of challenges, pressures and stresses. These are having an adverse impact on farmer health, wellbeing and overall farm safety. Physical and mental ill health and injury can have knock-on effects on farm productivity and farm income. An Operational Group in Ireland set up a capacity-building programme to address these issues.

The EU CAP Network Conference ‘EIP-AGRI Operational Groups: Innovation in practice’ will take place on 6-8 May 2024 in Estoril (Portugal). This event will celebrate and showcase the achievements of the over 3 400 EIP-AGRI Operational Group (OG) projects and support the preparation and implementation of future OGs. 

Does your Operational Group (OG) project demonstrate excellent and innovative practices, solutions, products or processes? Are they sustainable and replicable in other parts of Europe or other sectors? Do you want to make your project better known to the public? If so, apply to the EIP-AGRI Innovation Awards. An awards ceremony will take place on 7 May during the EU CAP Network Conference.

Did you know that the EU CAP Network website now features a brand new portal that gives you access to all up-to-date information on EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects. It includes details on how they are formed and funded, opportunities for cooperation across borders, the role of innovation support services, and more.

An EU CAP Network Focus Group has been working on how social farming can contribute to innovation in agriculture while strengthening the multi-functional role of agriculture and connecting people from urban and rural areas. 

Read the recently published report and the factsheet.

Belgian farmer Joris Van den Eynde runs a dairy farm with 200 dairy cows. To face up to high energy prices Joris installed a small-scale biogas installation and solar panels. He joined an Operational Group to improve the quality and operation of these ‘pocket’ installations.

This EU CAP Network event in October was dedicated to matchmaking and networking to support the preparation of high-quality proposals for the upcoming Horizon Europe calls with a multi-actor approach in the fields of agriculture, forestry and rural areas. Many resources are now online including links to the calls and presentations including tips for proposals.

Did you know that 11 December was the United Nation's International Mountain Day? This year it raised awareness about the relevance of mountain ecosystems and promoted nature-based solutions, best practices and investments that can build resilience, reduce vulnerability and increase the ability of mountains to adapt to climatic changes and events.

Recently, this Focus Group met for the first time to discuss which innovative approaches and innovations linked to agriculture, forestry and bioeconomy can foster the competitiveness and the socio-economic and environmental resilience of mountain areas and communities.

If you are interested in mountain areas, you could also find out about Horizon 2020 project MOVING (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green growth). The aim is to establish value chains to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of mountain areas to climate change.

The EUFORE Horizon Europe project has launched an open stakeholder survey to gather information on how climate, policy, social and environmental issues and trends could affect forests in the future. They will also analyse what impact this will have on forestry research, innovation and funding.

i2connect Advisory Services Database & competition

The i2Connect Horizon 2020 project calls on advisors and advisory organisations to become part of their community by registering on its Advisory Services Database. The project is also organising a competition for best practical cases in innovation support across Europe.

Grants available to improve resilience of European forests

The EU-funded project FORWARDS demonstrates the impact of climate change on forests and guides forest management. Throughout the project, there will be several grant calls to set up a forest observatory and climate-smart restoration pilots. Two calls are open, one about monitoring climate impact and the other about causes of forest disturbances. Deadline 15 January 2024.

Innovation, Knowledge Exchange | EIP-AGRI newsletter: Call for input

If you have relevant information for the EU CAP Network based on innovation in agriculture - e.g. a video, a funding opportunity, an inspirational idea, a call for contributions, a survey, a report, then please do send it to us: innovation-knowledge@eucapnetwork.eu.

Newsletters go out on the second Thursday of every month, so please send the information to us at least four weeks before that date.

In Spring 2024, we will publish a thematic newsletter on bees and pollinators. If you have relevant news related to this topic, please send it to us!

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