admin, Author at SEASN

SEASN Participated in the 13th MAK International Agri-Business Conference

admin — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:29:54 +0000

Representatives of the South Eastern European Advisory Service Network (SEASN) participated in the 13th International Agri-Business Conference MAK, which took place from 29 January to 1 February 2026 in Kopaonik, Serbia, contributing both to the scientific programme and to expert panel discussions.

A key highlight of SEASN’s participation was the presentation of the first research paper developed within the SEASN network, titled:
“The Role of the SEASN Network in Strengthening AKIS Development in EU and Non-EU Countries: A Comparative Review.”

The paper was also officially published in the conference proceedings, marking an important milestone for SEASN’s research and knowledge-sharing activities. The article examines the development of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) across EU and non-EU countries in South-East Europe, highlighting structural differences between more institutionalised EU systems and more fragmented non-EU environments. Its main findings emphasise the crucial role of advisory services, education, and knowledge transfer, as well as the importance of SEASN as a transnational bridging mechanism.

The central focus of the paper is how the SEASN network contributes to AKIS development in the region by acting as a knowledge-exchange bridge between countries with different levels of AKIS maturity. Through joint trainings, dissemination of project results, cross-border cooperation, and participation in EU-funded initiatives, SEASN enables mutual learning between EU and non-EU members. Countries with more established institutional structures and advisory systems share governance models, policy experience, and digital solutions, while countries with emerging AKIS frameworks contribute flexible, locally adapted, and innovation-driven practices. This two-way exchange does not impose uniform models, but rather encourages context-based adaptation, capacity building, and gradualalignment with European standards, ultimately strengthening advisory competencies and long-term regional cooperation.

The full paper is accessible here.

In addition to the scientific presentation, SEASN representatives also took part in a panel discussion titled “Climate Change and Water Management: Challenges of Natural Resource Management and Financial Sustainability in Agribusiness.” The panel was designed as an open and dynamic exchange among experts and addressed topics such as:

the role of advisory services in helping farmers adapt to climate change, particularly in water management,
the importance of knowledge, education, and technology transfer,
long-term planning of water resources in the region,
financial sustainability of public water systems,
the necessity of cross-border cooperation,
and priority measures for policy-makers.

During the discussion, strong emphasis was placed on the understanding of water as a public and limited resource that requires responsible and long-term management. Participants highlighted that water availability is becoming increasingly uncertain and, in many regions, difficult to access. Therefore, adaptation measures must begin not only at the policy level but also directly on farms through practical technological and agronomic solutions (bottom-up approach). Among the proposed measures was improved soil management aimed at increasing soil water retention capacity, which can significantly reduce vulnerability to droughts and extreme weather events. The discussion underlined that advisory work, education, and international cooperation are essential pillars for building resilient agricultural systems capable of responding to climate and environmental challenges.

It was an honour for SEASN to connect and collaborate with fellow network members and partner institutions during the conference, including representatives from the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture (IPN) and the Institute for Plant Protection from Serbia, and the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Romania. Such meetings further strengthen professional ties and confirm the value of regional cooperation in advancing innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable agricultural development.

The post SEASN Participated in the 13th MAK International Agri-Business Conference appeared first on SEASN.

Innovation and cooperation for short supply chains – three-day training for REL mentors in Sümeg

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:44:38 +0000

The training of REL mentors and organisers has reached another milestone: between 26 and 28 August 2025, a three-day training course was held in Sümeg, focusing on self-awareness, communication, interactive innovation, networking and their practical application.

The professional basis for the training was provided by the methodology developed in the i2connect Horizon2020 project, which has already proven its effectiveness among agricultural and forestry advisors across Europe. The aim of the Kislépték Association and its partners is to provide mentors who play a key role in the development of short supply chains (REL) with practical tools that support local producers, communities and markets in cooperation, innovation and sustainable development. At their request, the two-day theoretical training was held jointly by Ágnes Jakab (knowledge transfer expert) from the Green Support Unit of the CAP network operating within the National Chamber of Agriculture and Dr. and Dr. András Vér (senior research fellow) from Széchenyi István University, while the practical third day was led by Dr. Katalin Kujáni (president) from the Kislépték Association. Knowledge transfer model (Source: Dr. András Vér) and DISC model (Source: Ágnes Jakab)

Knowledge transfer model (Source: Dr. András Vér) and DISC model (Source: Ágnes Jakab)

The Kislépték Association is a national professional civil organisation representing the interests of small producers, artisans and local communities. Its mission is to strengthen local food systems and short supply chains (REL) and to support sustainable rural life. The fundamental goal of Kislépték is to facilitate market access for local producers and service providers, as well as to promote environmentally friendly forms of farming that are suited to the characteristics of the landscape, and the associated local processing and marketing systems, short supply chains, and related services through the rationalisation of the legal framework.

An important part of its work is REL mentor and organiser training, which prepares professionals to support community food supply – the creation and maintenance of farmers’ markets, basket communities and local sales formats – through advice and knowledge sharing. As Katalin Kujáni, president of the Kislépték Association, put it, REL mentors and organisers act as “local heroes” helping small producers to access markets and diversify their work.

Within the framework of the EU4Advice and COREnet Horizon Europe programmes, the organisation of a network of REL advisors and mentors has also been launched at EU level, with the development of methodological, training and toolkit support. The aim is to formally integrate REL professionals into national AKIS systems, so that short food chain management is given the same weight in expert advice as areas related to production or environmental management.
Over the past year, the Kislépték Association, in collaboration with Pannon Helyi Termék Nonprofit Kft., has begun to develop this for members of the Helyben Vagyunk trademark network. REL mentors and advisors must have specialised knowledge that goes beyond traditional areas of agricultural consulting – such as crop production, animal husbandry and environmental management – and complements it with expertise in market organisation, community building, short supply chain management and local economic development. In addition, REL mentors and advisors must also equip themselves with so-called soft skills ( ), such as appropriate communication, people skills and empathy, conflict management, etc.

The first day of the training focused mainly on communication training with group work, case studies and creative problem solving. Participants learned about the different elements and types of communication processes and applied them in “REL-specific” situations. They understood what active listening means and how important it is in counselling. The day ended with a “news distortion” training exercise, where they experienced how the content of a story can change when it is passed on from one person to another.

“News distortion” exercise (Source: Ágnes Jakab, NAK)

On the second day, mentors and advisors learned about the Innovation Spiral theory developed as part of the i2connect Horizon2020 project and its practical application. The Innovation Spiral promotes agricultural innovation and builds the capacity of advisors by bringing innovation processes closer to those working in agriculture and making them easier to understand. They also deepened their knowledge of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). They learned about the institutional components of the system and how they are connected to each other, and then were able to place themselves in this system during an exercise. AKIS is a network of relationships between people and organisations that shows how its participants are connected to each other and how it facilitates mutual learning through the sharing of knowledge and information. The afternoon programme continued with an introduction to the DISC personality model, which describes four basic forms of human behaviour. This model can also help REL mentors and organisers to better understand communication, leadership and teamwork. The closing exercise of the day, completing and discussing the assertive communication test (Thomas-Kilmann model), promoted self-awareness, communication and conflict management.

The third day of the training took us to Kékkút, to the Levendula Port with the Helyben Vagyunk trademark, where the REL mentors and counsellors participating in the training were tasked with putting the tools they had learned over the previous two days into practice in a counselling situation. Our hosts, Enid and Tibor, told us the story of their farm, their achievements and their plans for the future, sharing their setbacks and doubts with the audience. The REL team applied what they had learned the previous day well, as we collected the strengths and challenges of the Levendula farm, then grouped the activities and formulated their priorities. In this work process, they made really good use of the elements of the Innovation Spiral from the previous day.

REL mentors and consultants with the trainers (Source: Ágnes Jakab, NAK)

The training in Sümeg once again confirmed that the interactive methodology developed within the i2connect project is also well suited to the work of REL advisors. The participating mentors and organisers not only gained new professional and communication skills, but also had the opportunity to try them out in practice. The training strengthened community-building skills, conflict management and problem-solving – all competencies that are essential for the sustainable operation of local economies and short food chains. With this training, the REL mentor network has taken another step towards strengthening its position in domestic and international advisory systems and effectively supporting small-scale producers, communities and the improvement of rural quality of life in the long term.

You can watch a short video on REL training here.

Authors:

Ágnes Jakab (NAK-ZTE) and Dr. Ágnes Major (Kislépték Association)
Budapest, 8 September 2025

The post Innovation and cooperation for short supply chains – three-day training for REL mentors in Sümeg appeared first on SEASN.

SEASN Academy in Sofia Marks 10 Years of Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:35:42 +0000

On 4–5 November 2025, the South Eastern European Advisory Service Network (SEASN) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-day SEASN Academy and General Assembly, held in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event brought together representatives of advisory services, research institutions, ministries, and international networks from across South-Eastern Europe and beyond.

First day: SEASN Academy and 10 years of SEASN

The first day of the Academy, hosted at Hotel Central in Sofia, was dedicated to marking a decade of SEASN’s development, reflecting on its origins, achievements, and future role within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). The event opened with welcome addresses by Igor Hrovatič, President of SEASN, and Prof. Mladen Mladenov, Director of the National Agriculture Advisory Service (NAAS) of Bulgaria. A central part of the programme focused on “SEASN – 10 Years from the Beginning to Today and the Future”, with contributions from key individuals who have shaped the network since its establishment.

From initiative to network: how SEASN was born to the publishing of the SEASN monography

A result of preparations for SEASN’s 10th anniversary was the publication of SEASN Monography, which gathers the first steps of network creation, its importance in Europe’s agricultural, forestry and food sector, initiatives the network undertook, and its growth in the period of 10 years.

The origins of SEASN date back to the late 2000s, when the need for stronger regional cooperation among agricultural advisory services in South-Eastern Europe became increasingly evident. Early initiatives, supported by FAO, highlighted significant gaps in human capacity development, fragmented advisory structures, and weak links between advisory services, research, and education across the Western Balkans and neighbouring countries. Building on this context, the idea of a regional advisory network gradually took shape through dialogue among national advisory organisations and in close interaction with European and global advisory networks. A decisive momentum was created in the period around 2013–2015, when cooperation with IALB, EUFRAS, and later GFRAS demonstrated the added value of organised, trust-based networks for knowledge exchange, professionalisation, and policy visibility. In 2015, in Sofia, SEASN was formally established as the South-Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network, bringing together founding members from both EU and non-EU countries with a shared vision of strengthening advisory services within emerging AKIS frameworks.

The sessions addressed broader AKIS-related topics, including:

the added value of advisory organisations and networks within AKIS, presented by Elena Teodora Miron from the Chamber of Agriculture Austria (LK Österreich), who highlighted the role of advisory networks in connecting actors, facilitating learning processes, and strengthening knowledge flows within AKIS;
the role of AKIS in the SEASN region: building knowledge and innovation for the future of agriculture, presented by Agnes Jakab Gaborne, who provided an overview of AKIS structures across EU and non-EU SEASN member countries, highlighting similarities, differences, and common challenges in institutional development, coordination, and knowledge exchange;
the role of advisory services in climate change mitigation and adaptation, addressed by Dimitar Vanev from the National Agriculture Advisory Service (NAAS) and Chavdar Marinov from Carbonsafe, with a focus on practical approaches, climate-smart advisory tools, and emerging mechanisms such as carbon credits;
future perspectives for advisory services under the next CAP period, with particular attention to pre-accession countries, presented by Hugo Almeida from the European Commission, who outlined policy developments and the evolving role of advisory services within the EU and neighbouring contexts.

The first day concluded with closing reflections and a social evening, providing space for informal exchange and networking among participants.

You can take a look at the presentation from the anniversary here.

Second day: General Assembly, LiveNet workshop, and field visit

The second day, hosted at the National Agriculture Advisory Service (NAAS) offices, focused on SEASN’s internal governance and future activities through the General and Electional Assembly, and the election of new SEASN bodies. During the Assembly, Dr Slađan Stanković, from the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture (IPN), Serbia, was elected as the new President of SEASN.

In the continuation of the programme, participants took part in a LiveNet project workshop, dedicated to mapping livestock advisory systems in the SEASN region and discussing how advisory actors can be better connected to support Sustainable Livestock Production (SLP). The interactive workshop enabled participants to exchange national experiences, identify key advisory actors, and explore opportunities for building stronger advisory networks within the LiveNet framework.

The Academy concluded with a field visit to a livestock farm near Sofia, where participants observed good practices in dairy production, digital animal monitoring, and advisory-supported innovation at the farm level. The visit provided a practical dimension to the discussions held during the workshop, reinforcing the importance of linking advisory services with real-life farming systems.

Looking ahead

The SEASN Academy in Sofia marked not only an anniversary but also a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. As SEASN enters its second decade, the network remains focused on strengthening advisory services, enhancing knowledge exchange, and supporting innovation across South-Eastern Europe through cooperation, learning, and shared action.

The post SEASN Academy in Sofia Marks 10 Years of Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange appeared first on SEASN.

LiveNet

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:57:29 +0000

Project name: A European-wide network of livestock advisors well embedded in their AKIS ecosystems and exchanging practical knowledge in the long-term for sustainable livestock production
Project starting date: 1 January 2025
Project end date: 31 December 2029

PROJECT SUMMARY

The EU Farm to Fork strategy, which is at the heart of the European Green Deal, aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Sustainable Livestock Production must play a substantial role to engage the EU in green transition while ensuring farmers’ incomes and quality of life. The main objective of LIVENET is to establish and build capacity of a network of advisory services across the EU, increasing the knowledge sharing between advisors, and among the whole AKIS, and the adoption of innovative solutions for Sustainable Livestock Production by farmers. The project will achieve this through: 1) the establishment and development of an EU network of livestock advisors, based on existing networks and national AKIS, covering the 27 EU Members States, the UK and Switzerland. To cover all MSs, the project will adopt a twinning approach: 10+1 National Networks will be created by the project partners and will engage with 18 Associated Networks through a twining program. The network will cover all European pedo- climatic areas, integrating 10 EU regional clusters, the major livestock sectors and the main thematic challenges faced by breeders; 2) the collection, selection, evaluation, adaptation and validation of context-based Innovative Advisory Practices (IAPs), which are technically, economically, socially, and environmentally viable and will be replicated across the EU, 3) the wide scaling of solutions through trainings, demo-events and other activities towards advisors, students and value chain actors to promote the adoption of the IAPs. 4) the connection with other regional, national and EU projects, initiatives and policy makers for better integration of livestock advisory organisations in the AKISs. The project embrace a multi-actor approach, gathering 20 organisations with a vast experience in advisory and sustainable livestock production representing a diversity of AKIS stakeholders (farmers, advisors, researchers, value chain actors).

OBJECTIVES

Objective 1: To co-create, animate, manage and sustain an EU-wide “sustainable livestock production” (SLP) advisors network across the 27 European Member State, Switzerland and the UK, improving advisors’ skills and capacities, and increasing practical solutions knowledge exchange in the long-term.
Objective 2: To collect, select, evaluate, analyse, adapt and translate 100 contextualized “Innovative Advisory Practices” (IAPs) for Sustainable Livestock Production in a multi-actor setting in 29 European Countries.
Objective 3: To promote Innovative Advisory Practices on Sustainable Livestock Production in countries through a series of targeted knowledge exchange and scaling activities (field visits, on farm & virtual demonstrations, training and education events) tailored to each country, production context and AKIS.
Objective 4: Means of verification / KPI To link the project with other projects, actors, networks and policy makers increasing the knowledge flows, thus fostering AKIS integration and expansion of livestock advisor networks for further embedment evolving AKIS ecosystem at EU/national/regional levels in the 29 countries.
Objective 5: To communicate, disseminate and exploit all results and outcomes of the project through the most relevant channels and networks across all European countries in order to ensure their accessibility, uptake and operational implementation in the long-term.

METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH

The LIVENET project focuses on enhancing the sustainability of livestock farming in Europe by fostering innovation and collaboration among livestock advisors and stakeholders. It employs an interactive innovation model that combines both bottom-up and top-down activities. At the grassroots level, the project establishes local networks of livestock advisors and stakeholders, who collaborate to identify priority thematic areas. These networks also evaluate existing innovative advisory practices (IAPs) for their effectiveness. On the top-down side, LIVENET builds upon findings from previous projects to identify and adapt existing solutions to local contexts. The project’s overarching goal is to create a sustainable, EU-wide network of livestock advisors with expertise in Sustainable Livestock Production (SLP), enhancing their capacities through targeted training and knowledge-sharing. By focusing on collecting, assessing, and scaling IAPs, LIVENET seeks to increase their adoption across different regions, helping to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of European livestock farming. Through tailored, multi-dimensional strategies, the project aims to maximize the impact and reach of its innovations, supporting the wider adoption of sustainable practices in livestock production.
The project is structured through WP’s (Work packages), in which there are 17 WP’s. In each WP, there are tasks that are completed in a time.
The LiveNet project establishes, activates, and sustains a transnational advisory network for sustainable livestock production. It begins by mapping existing advisory systems and co-designing a multi-level network strategy and governance structure, followed by the activation of national and thematic networks through training, meetings, and coordinated knowledge exchange. Transnational twinning and networking activities support capacity building among advisors at national and EU levels.
The project develops a methodological framework for identifying, evaluating, and scaling Innovative Advisory Practices (IAPs), supported by a digital e-library and cross-regional learning visits. Selected practices are validated, adapted, and scaled through two implementation rounds, tailored to national AKIS contexts and continuously improved based on evaluation results.
LiveNet strengthens links with national and EU AKIS ecosystems, promotes deeper integration of advisory services, and contributes policy recommendations to ensure long-term impact. Communication, dissemination, and digital platform development ensure broad engagement and accessibility of results. Project coordination and management guarantee effective implementation, compliance with Horizon Europe requirements, and the sustainability of outcomes beyond the project lifetime.

PROJECT COORDINATION and COVERAGE

The LIVENET project builds an EU-wide advisory network for sustainable livestock production, covering all EU Member States, the UK, and Switzerland. It brings together 20 partners from research, advisory, and farming sectors to collect, adapt, and share innovative advisory practices (IA

Ps) across Europe, focusing on four sustainability themes: socio-economic resilience, environmentally friendly production, One Health and welfare, and generational renewal.

LIVENET establishes 11 National Networks of advisors, each selecting priority themes based on local challenges, and links them with Associated Networks through a twinning approach that strengthens knowledge exchange. Cooperation is further supported through EU Regional Clusters, enabling cross-border learning and the adaptation of practices toregional conditions.

The project is supported by a multi-level governance structure, with National and Associated Network Leaders and a Scientific and Technical Group ensuring coordinated implementation, scientific support, and effective scaling of IAPs.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

EO#1: Progress toward policy objectives related to sustainability: This outcome focuses on advancing livestock management to meet EU Green Deal goals. It aims to deploy innovations (IAPs) that address environmental, economic, and societal challenges, with a strong emphasis on economic viability and social acceptance. It will affect over 15,000 actors across the EU.
EO#2: Support for the modernization of agriculture: This outcome encourages the use of digital tools and innovations in livestock farming. It focuses on technical solutions, such as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools, and ensuring their economic viability. It will reach over 6,000 advisors across the EU through knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration.
EO#3: Interaction with regional policymakers on livestock challenges: This outcome fosters dialogue with policymakers to address bottlenecks in sustainable livestock production. It involves regular interactions with policymakers and integrates lessons learned from other EU projects to influence agricultural policy, reaching 200 policymakers across 29 countries.
EO#4: Production of supporting services and materials: This outcome aims to provide materials and services to support the upscaling of sustainable livestock systems. It includes workshops, training, and peer-to-peer learning, ensuring that solutions are adapted to local contexts and are validated by end-users. It will engage 5,000 participants in scaling events and 20,000 views on practice materials.
EO#5: Accelerating the implementation of innovative solutions: This outcome seeks to link research, education, and practice to accelerate the adoption of sustainable livestock practices. It involves connecting actors across the AKIS network and facilitating the exchange of knowledge to implement 100 ready-to-use innovations. It will engage 100,000 actors across 30 EU projects and 90 national initiatives.

SEASN’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT

SEASN is actively involved in WP5 – Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation. Its responsibilities include:
- Supporting stakeholder engagement and outreach across the South Eastern European region.
- Facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange through study visits and peer-to-peer learning.
- Disseminating project outcomes to advisory services, policymakers, and rural stakeholders in Balkan and neighboring countries.
- Ensuring representation of underrepresented regions within EU-level AKIS dialogues.
SEASN is a thematic network leader for socio-economic resilience.

The post LiveNet appeared first on SEASN.

AdvisoryNetPest Cross-Visit on Biodynamic Viticulture in Plešivica, Croatia

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:23:52 +0000

On 22 October 2025, the South Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network (SEASN) organized a cross-visit within the AdvisoryNetPest project, focusing on biodynamic approaches in viticulture as a means to reduce pesticide use and strengthen vineyard resilience. The event took place in the wine-growing region of Plešivica, near Zagreb, Croatia, gathering agricultural advisors from across the region.

Tomac Winery – A Pioneer of Biodynamic Viticulture in Croatia

Tomac Winery

The cross-visit was hosted by Tomac Winery, one of Croatia’s most renowned family-run wineries and the first to adopt a fully biodynamic approach. Situated on the sun-exposed slopes of Plešivica-Okić, the Tomac vineyards extend over 16 hectares planted with Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and traditional local varieties. Around 70% of their production focuses on sparkling wines, complemented by still and amphora-aged wines. The family has been involved in winemaking for over a century and remains deeply committed to natural and sustainable viticulture.

Biodynamic Principles for Healthier Soils and Vines

Tomac Winery vineyard

During the visit, the Tomac family presented their biodynamic production philosophy, which integrates natural preparations (BD500 and BD501), composting, and minimal external inputs. Their approach aims to improve soil quality, humus formation, and the natural growth cycle of vines, enhancing their overall vitality and resistance. Advisors observed that such practices result in soils rich in humus, improved water retention, and stronger vine resilience against powdery and downy mildew. However, challenges such as the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus) and grapevine yellows (Flavescence dorée) persist and remain a key topic of integrated pest management discussions. Interestingly, the occurrence of ESCA disease appears to be lower in biodynamic vineyards, likely due to improved root health and soil balance.

Tradition Meets Innovation in Winemaking

Six amphoras, located at the Tomac Winery

The visit also highlighted the winery’s innovative use of Georgian amphorae (qvevri) for natural fermentation and the exclusive use of native yeasts. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern ecological understanding makes Tomac Winery a unique example of how biodynamic viticulture can reduce chemical dependency while enhancing soil and plant health.

The Plešivica cross-visit emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange among advisors, providing a valuable opportunity to discuss practical experiences, challenges, and successes in sustainable viticulture.

The post AdvisoryNetPest Cross-Visit on Biodynamic Viticulture in Plešivica, Croatia appeared first on SEASN.

Young EUFRAS Training Program 2026–27

admin — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:50:13 +0000

🌿 Empowering the next generation of rural advisors through CECRA-certified international training, mentoring, and study exchanges in Slovenia, Serbia, and Ireland.

EUFRAS, together with the South Eastern Europe Advisory Service Network (SEASN), Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (KGZS), Teagasc (Ireland), and the Institute for Science Application in Agriculture (IPN, Serbia), invites young rural advisors under 35 years of age to apply for the Young EUFRAS Training Program 2026–27.

This 16-month international program offers young advisors a unique opportunity to gain:

CECRA-certified training,
Mentoring from experienced advisors,
International experience and knowledge exchange through interactive workshops, farm visits, and study exchanges in Slovenia, Serbia, and Ireland.

The CECRA (Certificate for European Consultants in Rural Areas) is a recognized European standard for methodological training of rural advisors. It certifies that an advisor has completed structured training in advisory methods, communication, and facilitation skills. Participants learn to use tested advisory techniques and interactive approaches to support farmers and rural communities. CECRA training is delivered through a modular program (17 modules in total), of which participants must complete five — two mandatory and three elective — to achieve certification. You can learn more about CECRA modules here and about the certification process here.

The Young EUFRAS Program aims to strengthen cooperation across Europe’s advisory systems, support innovation and sustainability in agriculture, and develop the YEUFRAS youth network – connecting young professionals in rural advisory work across Europe.

📅 Application deadline: 14 November 2025
🔗 More information and application: https://www.eufras.eu/join-the-yeufras-training-program-2026-27

If you would need further details, you can contact:
📧 edgars.dzelme@llkc.lv
📞 +371 20060859

The post Young EUFRAS Training Program 2026–27 appeared first on SEASN.

SEASN 10th Anniversary Academy (Sofia, 4–5 November 2025)

admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:02:12 +0000

The South East European Advisory Service Network (SEASN) celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. On this special occasion, we invite you to the SEASN Celebratory Academy and the SEASN General (Electoral) Assembly, co-organized with the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) of Bulgaria, on 4–5 November 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Event Overview

SEASN Celebratory Academy: 4 November 2025 (Central Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria)

Presentation of SEASN’s achievements over the past decade
Discussion on future perspectives for agricultural advisory services
Networking among members and stakeholders
Poster session

SEASN General (Electoral) Assembly: 5 November 2025 (NAAS premises)

Elections of SEASN working bodies
Presentation of SEASN’s work in the past year
Workshop: sustainable livestock practices (materials from the LiveNet project)

Field visit: On 5 November (afternoon), a farm visit near Sofia will showcase sustainable livestock production.

👉 The event program is available here

Registration

Please register by 17 October 2025 using the online form

➡️ REGISTER HERE

Contacts

For questions and information:

Domagoj Gorup — domagoj.gorup@seasn.com.hr
Urban Hrovatič — urban.hrovatic@seasn.com.hr

We look forward to celebrating 10 years of SEASN together in Sofia and sharing the achievements of our first decade—while looking ahead to the future of advisory services across South East Europe.

The post SEASN 10th Anniversary Academy (Sofia, 4–5 November 2025) appeared first on SEASN.

Mediterranean Solutions to Hungarian Challenges

admin — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:01:04 +0000

Between 15 and 17 June 2025, colleagues from NAK (Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture) and Gazda Kontroll Ltd. participated in a professional study tour to the IMIDRA research institute (Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario) in Aranjuez, Spain. The visit focused on knowledge exchange in the fields of agricultural research, climate adaptation, and innovative farming practices.

IMIDRA – a regional hub for agricultural innovation

Founded in 2006 by the Autonomous Community of Madrid, IMIDRA works to promote sustainable farming and rural development through applied research and close cooperation with farmers. The institute is primarily funded by regional budgets and EU programs, ensuring that research findings are directly applicable to practice.

Picture 1: IMIDRA research centre. Source: Ágnes Jakab (NAK/ZTE)

Key themes of the visit

During the study tour, Dr. Blanca E. Sastre Rodríguez (Regional Director) and Roberto Saiz (Head of Applied Agricultural Research) introduced several innovative approaches:

Water management & irrigation
Spain’s semi-arid climate requires efficient irrigation. IMIDRA showcased advanced drip irrigation systems, subsoil moisture sensors, and the role of local irrigation communities in water governance. These models highlight opportunities for Hungary and the wider region in developing more efficient and community-based water management systems.

Picture 2: Rotary arm irrigation. Source: Laura Pardavi (Gazda Kontroll)

Intensive olive production
Researchers presented high-density olive plantations with 215 trees/ha. The system allows full mechanisation of pruning and harvesting, helping to address labour shortages while ensuring higher yields.

Picture 3: Olive plantation. Source: Ágnes Jakab (NAK/ZTE)

Crop rotation and soil fertility
Legumes such as lentils and alfalfa play a crucial role in restoring soil nitrogen and improving yields in subsequent crops (e.g., wheat yields increasing by up to 1 tonne/ha). These practices directly support the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) goals of sustainability and soil health.
Alternative crops and pilot experiments
IMIDRA conducts trials of comparison of varieties of crops like chickpeas, durum wheat, maize, pistachios, hops, and teff. Of particular interest are autumn-sown chickpea varieties, which may adapt well to changing climatic conditions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Picture 4: Leguminous crops (beans, lentils, chickpeas, soya, boso). Source: Laura Pardavi, Gazda Kontroll Ltd.

Economic and market challenges
Similar to Hungary, Spanish farmers face price pressures from imports (e.g., wheat from Ukraine, olive oil from Morocco). The study emphasised the need for short supply chains and direct marketing models, which can improve profitability and resilience.

Lessons for Hungarian and European farmers

The exchange highlighted many parallels between Spanish and Hungarian agriculture: water scarcity, climate extremes, and market pressures. Spanish experiences, particularly in water governance, diversification of crops, and cooperative marketing, inspire strengthening resilience and sustainability in Hungarian and wider European contexts.

Picture 5: Field visit with IMIDRA researchers, sunflower field. Source: Laura Pardavi, Gazda Kontroll Ltd.

Knowledge transfer and future cooperation

IMIDRA also acts as a knowledge hub, offering advisory services, soil testing, and training for farmers. This aligns closely with SEASN’s mission of connecting advisory services and strengthening practical knowledge transfer across Europe.

Prepared by Dr. László Novák (CEO and innovation advisor, Gazda Kontroll Ltd.), Laura Pardavi (innovation advisor, Gazda Kontroll Ltd.), and Ágnes Jakab (lead knowledge transfer expert, NAK Green Support Unit).

The post Mediterranean Solutions to Hungarian Challenges appeared first on SEASN.

Highlights from the IALB, EUFRAS, SEASN Conference 2025 in Brussels

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:34:53 +0000

Brussels, 25–26 June 2025 – The 64th IALB, 14th EUFRAS, and 11th SEASN Conference brought together over 140 agricultural advisors, researchers, policy-makers, and institutions from across Europe to discuss the future of advisory services in agriculture.

A Step Forward: Launch of the Position Paper on Advisory Services in AKIS

A major milestone of the conference was the launch of the Position Paper on “How advisory work and education can support the agricultural, forestry and food sectors of the future”, co-developed by IALB, EUFRAS, and SEASN. The paper is based on a Europe-wide survey among agricultural advisors and highlights key trends, challenges, and the future direction of the advisory profession.

The paper calls for stronger AKIS structures, improved advisor training, better networking opportunities, and long-term policy support at the EU and national levels. It also emphasizes the growing importance of advisory services as facilitators of innovation and sustainability, rather than simple providers of technical information.

🔗 Read the full Position Paper here: IALB Conference Documentation

SEASN Workshop on Biodiversity in Perennial Crops

As part of the second day of the conference, SEASN and IPN co-organized a workshop titled:

“The Role of Advisory Services in the Preservation of Biodiversity of Perennial Crops in the EU.”

The session was co-led by Urban Hrovatič (SEASN) and Dr. Sladjan Stanković (IPN) and built upon the results and outputs of the CLIMED-FRUIT project, particularly its Extended Practice Articles (EPAs).

During the workshop, participants discussed the meaning of biodiversity in their own advisory contexts and how to support it through everyday farm management. Three EPA-based good practices were presented:

Spontaneous plant cover in almond orchards
On-farm production and use of compost tea
Cover crop management in rainfed olive groves

Working in small groups, participants explored how these practices could be promoted through advisory services and what systems of support are necessary. Three strategic priorities emerged from the discussions:

Strengthening AKIS and actor support
Co-creating with nature through research-based solutions
Improving knowledge flows from one-way transfer to participatory exchange

The workshop concluded that biodiversity must become an integrated part of advisory services and CAP implementation, with advisors playing a key enabling role across Europe.

SEASN to Host the 2026 Joint Conference in Northeastern Slovenia

One of the announcements of the 2025 conference came from SEASN, which officially invited participants to the 65th IALB, 15th EUFRAS, and 12th SEASN Conference, to be held from 15 to 18 June 2026 in Northeastern Slovenia. The event will be co-organized by SEASN and its member, the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (CAFS).

The location at the cross-border region between Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria allows for a unique setting, where the field visits will take place in at least two SEASN member countries. The official languages of the 2026 conference will be English and Serbo-Croatian, while workshops will be available in German, English, and Serbo-Croatian.

During the closing session of the conference, participants voted on the main theme for 2026. The winning topic was:

“Target initiatives to promote the inclusion of women and young people in agriculture, with tailored learning opportunities and leadership training.”

(Results of the voting are accessible here)

The theme reflects a strong commitment by SEASN and its partners to supporting the next generation of farmers and advisors, ensuring that diversity, equity, and leadership development remain key pillars of the advisory profession.

Save the date:

🗓️ 15-18 June 2026

📍 Northeastern Slovenia

Details about the program, registrations, and logistics will be shared in late 2025

Looking Ahead

SEASN is proud to have contributed actively to the success of the 2025 conference and looks forward to welcoming, together with CAFS, the European advisory community to Slovenia in 2026. The outcomes of this year’s conference, particularly the Position Paper, the biodiversity workshop, and the shared commitment to inclusive advisory services, confirm that cross-border collaboration is essential for building resilient and future-proof agricultural systems across Europe.

The post Highlights from the IALB, EUFRAS, SEASN Conference 2025 in Brussels appeared first on SEASN.

OrganicAdviceNetwork: Cross-Visit on Organic Cherry and Olive Production Held in Croatia

admin — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:43:09 +0000

From 6 to 8 May 2025, SEASN organized a cross-visit to the Makarska region in Croatia as part of the EU Horizon Europe project OrganicAdviceNetwork. The event gathered 10 participants, primarily agricultural advisors and researchers from Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Hungary, aiming to explore organic fruit production in demanding environmental conditions.

Participants visited two remarkable organic farms:

🌿 Terra Marascae – an organic farm cultivating the traditional Marasca sour cherry, a local variety thriving in karstic, rocky terrain. Despite minimal organic matter in the soil, this variety produces high-quality fruits with a distinct polyphenol profile and high sugar content. Terra Marascae creates a range of organic products, including juice, brandy, liquor, jam, and vinegar – all from the Marasca cherry.

🫒 Jurin Dvor – a family-owned organic olive farm that established its olive grove from scratch in rocky terrain, taking advantage of the area’s unique microclimate with strong winds and low humidity. This helps minimize pest pressure and supports organic practices. Jurin Dvor produces various olive oils, along with olive spread, preserved olives, olive leaf liquor, and tea, showcasing creativity and dedication to tradition.

A special highlight was the interaction with the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, where Nataša Puhelek Pustina, a specialist in organic production, delivered a detailed presentation on the current state of organic farming in Croatia. She covered key policies, support measures, and challenges faced by organic producers. Additionally, she outlined the Ministry’s advisory service structure, its on-the-ground activities, and the process and challenges of obtaining organic certification. During this meeting, participants actively engaged in discussions, which allowed them to gain new knowledge, compare policies and advisory systems from their own countries, and deepen their understanding through direct exchange.

The group also enjoyed a warm and welcoming lunch at Vinarija Biskupović, whose hospitality and cozy atmosphere added a personal touch to the experience – many thanks to them!

The visit concluded with a reflection workshop, where participants exchanged insights and advice. They especially appreciated the farmers’ enthusiasm, innovative solutions, and commitment to preserving traditional practices.

We are grateful for the valuable knowledge shared and the opportunity to connect across borders. We look forward to more inspiring cross-visits within the OrganicAdviceNetwork project – stay tuned for what’s coming next!

The post OrganicAdviceNetwork: Cross-Visit on Organic Cherry and Olive Production Held in Croatia appeared first on SEASN.