Advancing Nature Credit Markets and Agri-Environmental Innovations in Europe

Across the European Union, nature credit markets are rapidly emerging as a complementary mechanism to public funding, aiming to incentivise investments in biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land use. At the same time, environmental innovations in agriculture are accelerating, driven by policy frameworks such as the CAP, the European Green Deal, and Horizon Europe. Together, these developments are creating new opportunities for farmers, land managers, businesses, and public actors to collaborate, generate measurable environmental benefits, and develop scalable solutions for improving environmental conditions.

The international event brings together experts, practitioners, project partners, and policymakers from across the Baltic Sea region and Europe. The focus is on nature credit markets, environmental innovations in agriculture, and opportunities to strengthen cross-border collaboration through EU frameworks such as CAP, Horizon Europe, and EIP‑AGRI.

The afternoon seminar on 17 November provides a unique opportunity to discuss emerging European frameworks, explore national and international pilot initiatives, and deepen collaboration on improving environmental conditions through agricultural and nature-based solutions.

The event is organised alongside the Finnish Seminar on Agri-Environmental Knowledge (held in Finnish), with several shared activities on 18 November.

The two-day programme includes thematic seminar sessions, international project showcases, a brokerage event, a study visit, and participation in the Networking Fair.

Registration by 30.10.2026

Preliminary programme

(The programme is subject to change. Please visit the official event page for updated programme)

Tuesday 17 November 2026

11:00-12:45 Registration

12:00 Optional lunch (at one’s own cost)

13:00 – Seminar Session 1: European Frameworks for Nature Credit Markets

European Commission keynote: EU Nature Credits Roadmap (TBC)

Nature Credit Markets in Finland: National characteristics, opportunities, and required actions

Ministry of the Environment of Finland

Nature Credit Marketplace (luontoarvot.fi): A scalable model for nature credit exchange

The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)

Practical pathways to implementation through nature credit markets

Three to four case examples from different countries

15:00 Coffee break

15:30 – Seminar Session 2: Strengthening EU Collaboration – CAP and Horizon Europe Synergies

European Commission insights: Strengthening cooperation between CAP and Horizon Europe (HE), including EIP‑AGRI and HE project synergies (TBC)

Environmental innovations through EIP‑AGRI Operational Groups

Two examples of Operational Groups

Horizon Europe project cases linked to environmental innovations and nature restoration:

A project identifying potential links to EIP‑AGRI initiatives (TBC)

A project focusing on improving ecological status and nature values – ALFAwetlands – final results

17:30 – Brokerage & Networking Session

Facilitated networking focusing on new partnerships, international cooperation opportunities, and upcoming funding calls.

19:30 Joint dinner

Wednesday 18 November 2026 – Programme Additions

Morning – Field Visit (preliminary schedule 8.00–12.00)

Participants are invited to join a field visit featuring a visit to an EIP project site, and a nature value site demonstrating practical assessment, monitoring or restoration work.

The study visit will provide hands-on insight into how innovative approaches are implemented in real landscapes and how cross‑border cooperation strengthens environmental outcomes in agriculture.

Lunch available at Verkatehdas (at one’s own cost).

Afternoon – Project Meetings & International EIP Working Group

During the afternoon, dedicated time is reserved for bilateral or project‑specific meetings, and a meeting of the international EIP working group. Meeting rooms will be arranged based on participants’ needs indicated during registration.

Networking at the Finnish Seminar on Agri-Environmental Knowledge

Participants are warmly invited to attend the Networking Fair (“Verkostojen tori”), where a dedicated international project area will showcase cross-border initiatives and international projects, and join an informal, self-funded dinner at Verkatehdas.

The afternoon and evening provide excellent opportunities to strengthen networks, increase project visibility, and exchange knowledge among international partners.