Event | Brokerage event

EU CAP Network brokerage event 'Innovating for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture and rural areas'

Name: EU CAP Network brokerage event 'Innovating for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture and rural areas'
Start: 2026-02-25T09:00:00+0100
End: 2026-02-26T17:00:00+0100

Download the final report

Organised by EU CAP Network
25 Feb 2026, 09:00 26 Feb 2026, 17:00 CET
English
Warsaw, Poland
In-person

The EU CAP Network brokerage event 'Innovating for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture and rural areas' took place in Warsaw, Poland, on 25 and 26 February 2026. A call for expression of interest was open until 10 December 2025, 23:59 CET.

In recent years, the EU CAP Network brokerage events have successfully supported the development of high-quality Horizon Europe proposals, strengthened links between research, practice and advisory services, and created lasting collaborations across the EU. Building on this experience, the 2026 edition focused on networking and developing ideas around key priorities from the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programme for 2026, focusing on topics that require a multi-actor approach.

Participants had the opportunity to meet peers working on similar challenges, present short teasers of their project ideas, and explore partnerships for future collaboration. The event also highlighted additional European, national and regional funding opportunities that can support innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

Objectives

The event aimed to support the preparation of high-quality, multi-actor project proposals for the 2026 Horizon Europe Cluster 6 calls. In particular, the following thematic areas were discussed:

agrobiodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices: diversified practices for sustainable, resilient and long-term farming competitiveness
fostering circularity in farming systems: circular farming systems that reduce waste and improve sustainability by reusing resources and closing nutrient loops
farming practices and value chains for a competitive agriculture: innovative farming and modern value chains to boost productivity, reduce dependencies and improve market competitiveness
sustainable use of resources: efficient use of water, soil, and production factors to increase productivity while protecting ecosystems and the climate
resilient and healthy cropping systems: innovative, integrated and resilient plant protection tools that support stable production
fostering innovation through AKIS: strengthened knowledge exchange and cooperation, ensuring that innovations reach farmers and are widely adopted
healthy soils: improving soil health through sustainable practices and monitoring, to enhance fertility, carbon storage and climate resilience

Newcomers to Horizon Europe and those interested in coordinating or facilitating the development of new projects (‘catalysts’) were particularly encouraged to participate.

Main target groups

The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders engaged in agricultural and rural innovation, ensuring a balanced representation across research and practice. Participants included farmers and rural community representatives, advisors and innovation brokers, researchers, businesses and start-ups, as well as National Contact Points. The event also involved private and public funding organisations such as the EIC, EIT and CBE JU, alongside EU R&I partnerships, networks, and National CAP Networks.