European Innovation Partnership (EIP) AGRI Service Point

EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Digital tools for nutrient management: Final report

The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Digital tools for sustainable nutrient management brought together 20 experts including researchers, advisors, civil servants, farmers and representatives of the industry. The aim was to discuss the available digital tools for nutrient management, reasons why farmers would or would not use them on the farm and needs for further digital nutrient management tools, which could be developed in the future. The key question of this Focus Group was Which are the key conditions, functions and technical requirements to develop, promote and facilitate the use of digital applications for farm nutrient management?. This report presents the outcomes of the Focus Group discussions, along with suggestions for Operational Groups and areas for further research.

EIP-AGRI Focus Group: Reducing pesticides in pome and stone fruit production: Final report

Fruit growers face many challenges. To produce a competitive yield with desired quality, many growers rely on pesticides. Compared to other crops, fruit production uses a significantly higher quantity of pesticides to control pests, diseases, and weeds, and to regulate growth (e.g. apples are treated with various pesticides 20-30 times a year). These pesticides affect the environment (soil, water, air, biodiversity), non-target organisms, animals, and human health. Therefore, EU and Member State policies seek to reduce the reliance on pesticides in agriculture by designing and implementing more integrated and sustainable approaches, while at the same time safeguarding the competitiveness of EU agriculture. The key question of this Focus Group was ‘How can alternative methods reduce the use of pesticides in pome and stone fruits and support the productivity of the sector in a sustainable way?’. This report presents the outcomes of the Focus Group discussions, along with suggestions for Operational Groups and areas for further research.

EIP-AGRI Workshop on Conversion to organic farming: Final report

This report presents the results of the EIP-AGRI workshop “ Conversion to organic farming: Innovative approaches and challenges”, which took place on 22 and 23 June 2022. This workshop was designed to create conditions for exchanging knowledge, and for sharing innovative ideas and inspirational practices that support farmers in successful conversion to organic farming. The workshop made an important contribution to strengthening the European Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), by building and exchanging knowledge on the conversion process.

Agrinnovation magazine – Issue n° 8 – May 2022

The eighth edition of Agrinnovation magazine places forests in the spotlight. You can download your digital copy on this page. If you would like to receive a printed copy of this new edition, you can place your order in the EU bookshop through this link: https://bit.ly/3Bg7OXe

EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Nature-based solutions for water management: Final report

Water is increasingly a major challenge for the agricultural sector. Agriculture is the main user of fresh water both in Europe and around the world. The sector also contributes significantly to water pollution. At the same time, we are experiencing higher temperatures and rainfall variability. On top of that, a growing global population means a growing demand for food, therefore farmers are having to rethink how they produce their crops. The key question of this Focus Group was ‘How nature-based solutions could have an impact on water management and water availability at farm level and contribute to sustainable farming under climate change?’. This report presents the outcomes of the Focus Group discussions, along with suggestions for Operational Groups and areas for further research.

EIP-AGRI Brochure Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems: Boosting innovation and knowledge flows across Europe

Knowledge and innovation can help European farmers, foresters and rural communities meet current and future challenges. To ensure that knowledge is shared between everyone who uses and produces it, and that people are connected, effective Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) are needed across Europe. The EIP-AGRI brochure ‘Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS): Boosting innovation and knowledge flows across Europe’ highlights key features and inspiring examples to help build a stronger AKIS.