EU CAP Network brokerage event 'Partnering for innovation with impact in agriculture and rural areas'

• the preparation of high-quality proposals for the Horizon Europe Cluster 6 calls in agriculture and rural areas, by creating linkages between EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and Horizon projects,
• the identification of opportunities for scaling up and scaling out existing innovations from Horizon and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), thereby maximising their contribution to a more competitive, sustainable and resilient agriculture, and rural areas.

Key outcomes included enhanced networking, actionable insights into funding opportunities, and the initiation of collaboration opportunities. The event was highly rated by participants, with 95% noting that it provided valuable networking opportunities and 90% finding the outcomes useful for their work. Recommendations for future events include allocating more time for networking and providing clearer session labels.

In addition to a range of inspiring presentations, the event featured dedicated matchmaking and consulting sessions, and one-on-one networking opportunities, as well as an innovation market with 34 posters from Horizon and Operational Group projects, at which innovators had the chance to pitch their projects and engage with other participants for future collaboration. Participants also had the opportunity to join thematic field visits to explore practical examples of innovation in agriculture and rural development.

The brokerage event successfully connected a diverse group of stakeholders, fostering innovation in agriculture and rural areas. It provided actionable insights into funding, proposal preparation and collaboration, strengthening the agricultural innovation ecosystem.

Participants particularly appreciated the thematic breakout sessions, which provided practical insights into upcoming Horizon Europe calls and facilitated early-stage idea development. The innovation market and structured networking activities were particularly valued for enabling direct peer-to-peer engagement. Future events should prioritise extended networking and clearer session structures to maximise impact.

By encouraging the participation of both experienced stakeholders and newcomers, and in particular farmers and Operational Groups, the event contributed to a more inclusive and balanced agricultural innovation ecosystem. Its success confirms the continued relevance of brokerage formats as a means to catalyse collaboration, generate project ideas, and enhance the impact of EU research and innovation policy in agriculture and rural areas.