Increasing knowledge flows to practice within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via thematic networks

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen the flow of knowledge in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas, supporting the transition to more sustainable, competitive, and resilient sectors. It focuses on sharing research findings, innovative solutions, and best practices in ways that are accessible and useful to end-users such as farmers and foresters. The initiative aims to build a well-connected community of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) actors and ensure that knowledge reaches all regions of the European Union. Special attention is given to addressing the real needs of practitioners with impartial and tailored information. The geographic scope primarily covers the EU and its Member States, with some provisions for certain non-EU countries.

• Multi-Actor Approach: Must involve a balanced mix of actors (advisors, farmers, foresters, rural actors) who actively participate in identifying needs and carrying out main project tasks.
• Theme Selection: Thematic focus must be chosen based on urgent needs from practice, explained for its relevance and added value, and must not duplicate existing or past projects.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Must collect, adapt, and widely share practical knowledge and solutions in accessible formats, including translations into all EU official languages.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Must include a plan for updating and maintaining outputs beyond the project's end.
• Duration: Project must last at least 3 years.
• Admissibility Conditions: Must comply with page limits and layout requirements described in the official guidelines.

Examples:

• A network connecting farmers and researchers to share climate-smart farming practices, with all materials available in every EU language.
• A forestry innovation group that gathers and translates best practices for pest management, ensuring long-term online access to resources.
• A rural advisory consortium that identifies urgent needs in remote areas, develops new solutions, and creates a plan for ongoing support after the project ends.

• Personnel costs for project partners
• Travel and accommodation for project meetings and field visits
• Costs for organizing workshops and training sessions
• Translation and adaptation of materials into all EU official languages
• Development and maintenance of digital platforms and tools
• Production of practice-oriented publications and videos
• Communication and dissemination activities
• Subcontracting for specialized tasks (e.g., IT, communications)
• Equipment and materials necessary for demonstrations or pilots
• Administrative and coordination costs

Note: Funding is provided as a lump sum. Specific eligible costs and restrictions should be checked in the official Horizon Europe guidelines.

• Budget for this Call: 3.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Proposals must follow the multi-actor approach, involving advisors, farmers, foresters, and rural actors.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries, primarily EU Member States, with some non-EU participation possible under certain conditions.
• Projects must not duplicate existing or completed thematic networks unless clear added value is justified.
• The consortium should include a balanced mix of relevant actors with complementary expertise.
• All key actors must be actively involved in identifying needs and carrying out main project tasks.
• Projects must comply with formal requirements such as page limits and proposal layout.