Strengthening knowledge and skills of advisors and integrating them within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via an EU advisory network

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of impartial advisors and to connect them within a European network, supporting farmers across the EU. The initiative focuses on improving the organization and integration of advisors in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and fostering collaboration at national, regional, and EU levels. It aims to equip advisors with the latest knowledge and tools, enhance knowledge sharing, and create an online platform for resources and best practices. The project supports climate, biodiversity, and sustainability objectives in line with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Geographic coverage includes all EU Member States, with a primary focus on connecting advisors across the entire EU.

• Projects must follow the multi-actor approach, involving at least 50% impartial advisors who spend at least half their time advising farmers.
• The consortium should be well-networked with advisors across the EU and capable of involving many active advisors in project activities.
• Projects must include a plan for the long-term financial sustainability and maintenance of the advisory network.
• Proposals should ensure practice-oriented outputs are available in all 24 EU official languages.
• The project must last at least seven years.
• Financial support to third parties must be included to involve advisors from all EU countries.

Example projects:

• A pan-European network that connects and trains impartial advisors from all EU countries, sharing best practices and decision tools.
• A project developing an online platform in 24 EU languages, offering training courses and a database of advisor profiles for farmers.
• An initiative providing grants to regional advisory organizations to ensure their participation and engagement in the EU-wide network.

• Personnel costs for project staff and advisors
• Development and maintenance of an online platform
• Translation services for resources into all 24 EU official languages
• Training and capacity-building activities for advisors
• Travel and accommodation for meetings and exchanges
• Organization of workshops, seminars, and events
• Production and dissemination of best practice materials
• Costs related to collaboration with AKIS structures
• Financial support to third parties, up to EUR 60,000 per third party

All eligible costs are paid as a lump sum. Grants to third parties cannot exceed EUR 60,000 each.

• Budget for this Call: 10.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Projects must use the multi-actor approach, involving various stakeholders.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries (primarily EU Member States, with some exceptions for non-EU countries under special provisions).
• At least 50% of project participants must be impartial advisors who spend at least half their time advising farmers.
• Proposals must involve advisors from all EU Member States and collaborate with AKIS structures.
• The project must run for at least seven years.
• Financial support to third parties is permitted, with a maximum of 60,000€ per third party.
• Applicants must follow the proposal page limits and layout requirements.