EU CAP Network seminar ‘On-farm demonstrations for peer-to-peer learning & innovation’

This report presents the outcomes of the EU CAP Network seminar ‘On-farm demonstrations for peer-to-peer learning & innovation’, which was held on 17-18 June 2025 in Mestre, Venice, Italy.

The seminar was organised by the EU CAP Network with the Veneto Region and Italian CAP Network, and gathered 179 participants from 25 EU Member States, North Macedonia and Montenegro. It highlighted the role of on-farm demonstrations in peer-to-peer learning, skills development and the uptake of innovations from EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and Horizon multi-actor projects. Presentations from DG AGRI, the EU CAP Network, and the Horizon Mission Soil outlined the policy context, emphasising Living Labs, lighthouses, OGs, and AKIS as key mechanisms.

Field visits showcased public and private demonstration farms in the Veneto region: Vallevecchia, La Fagiana, the Agripolis campus of the University of Padova, and the Societa Agricola Dante.

The poster session presented 10 case studies on support mechanisms for demonstration farms, touching on definitions, coordination, funding models, training, evaluation, international exchanges and public–private cooperation.

Interactive sessions showcased tools and approaches such as VR applications, peer-to-peer incubators, eco-tourism linked to pollinator education and cross-border farmer visits. Groups discussed how to plan and facilitate meaningful demonstrations, the role of host farmers, engaging formats, hybrid methods, and whole-farm approaches.

A practitioner panel highlighted challenges, including rigid project structures, insufficient compensation for farmers, administrative burdens, and the need for flexibility and trust. A final exercise invited farmers, advisors, researchers, educators, and Managing Authorities to identify how each can strengthen demonstrations through facilitation, communication, learning environments, funding, and policy support.

Participants emphasised that farmers learn best from peers and from simple, hands-on, relevant demonstrations. Clear definitions, adequate support, fair remuneration, trained hosts, and strong AKIS links are essential. Continued engagement, visual tools, and follow-up activities enhance learning. Stronger structural support is needed through long-term funding, shared guidelines, coordinated networks, and improved cooperation across advisory services, research, CAP Networks, and policymakers. Peer-to-peer learning requires deliberate design and sustained multi-actor collaboration to unlock the full potential of on-farm demonstrations.