Press article
EIP-AGRI SERVICE POINT
22 JULY 2015
Practical tips on hot agricultural topics
60 experts from across Europe give recommendations on organic farming,
protein crops and antibiotic use in pig farming
EIP-AGRI Focus Groups were designed to bring practical solutions to real problems being
faced by farmers. Looking at issues faced in the field by agricultural professionals all over
Europe – they collect and summarise knowledge on best practices in a specific field,
listing problems as well as opportunities.
Three of these EIP-AGRI Focus Groups have published their results and useful brochures
which summarise their findings. Findings that professionals can easily implement in their
daily work. Findings that farmers can use to get inspired to start an innovative project.
Innovative solutions for organic farmers
The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Organic Farming offers solutions on how to reduce the yield gap
that separates organic from conventional in some crops, and how to enhance the performance of lowyielding organic farms to the level of the best performers.
Promoting natural pig behaviour
The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Animal Husbandry motivates farmers, advisers and veterinarians
to adopt better biosecurity, management and other practices, improving pig health and welfare.
Other ways to reduce the need for antibiotic treatments include finding specific alternatives and
changing attitudes and human habits.
Growing protein crops has a profitable future
The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Protein Crops demonstrated that there is scope for profitable
protein crops in Europe. To achieve the full potential, innovative improvements need to be made at all
stages from the field to feed, from feed to animal, and right through to milk and meat. Intense
cooperation between breeders, producers, and processors is also essential.
Spreading this knowledge
The next stage is to spread these results as widely as possible across Europe to encourage innovative
projects. Many of the Focus Group experts themselves are now involved in projects using the Focus
Group results.
Farmers and representatives from breeding, applied research, advisers, NGOs and the feed and food
industry met in Budapest for the EIP-AGRI Workshop to follow up on the results from the Focus Group
on Protein Crops. The members of the Organic Farming Focus Group have been present at several
events across Europe. They have recently been invited to participate in an event organised by the
European Commission to identify research needs for Organic Farming.
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PRESS ARTICLE: PRACTICAL TIPS ON HOT AGRICULTURAL TOPICS 22 JULY 2015
New agricultural challenges to be tackled
Experts on ‘Emissions from livestock production’, ‘Mixed farming systems:
livestock/cash crops’ and ‘Benchmarking farm productivity and
sustainability performance’ wanted
The European Commission is currently looking for 20 experts each on ‘Emissions from livestock
production’, ‘Mixed farming systems: livestock/cash crops’ and ‘Benchmarking farm productivity and
sustainability performance’ for the European Innovation Partnership “Agricultural Productivity and
Sustainability" (EIP-AGRI) to start up three new EIP-AGRI Focus Groups. Farmers, advisers,
researchers and other experts are invited to apply for participation by 7 September 2015 23:59 hrs
CET (Brussels time) through this link.
Join us!
Joining an EIP-AGRI Focus Group allows professionals to share their knowledge and to learn from
peers. It may also help broaden their professional European network, and may form the start of a new
cooperation.
There are 12 other EIP-AGRI Focus Groups currently running or working on their outputs: these
include Short food supply chain management, High Nature Value farming and Soil-borne diseases.
You can suggest topics for new EIP-AGRI Focus Groups through this link.
EIP-AGRI Focus Groups, bridging the gap between research and practice
The EIP-AGRI Focus Groups discuss and document research results and best practices, and identify
the implications for further research activities that will help to solve practical problems in the sector.
These may be related to production, processing, consumption, transport or other issues.
In short, the objectives of an EIP-AGRI Focus Group are:

Taking stock of the state of the art of practice in the field of the EIP-AGRI Focus Group
activity, listing problems and opportunities;

Taking stock of the state of the art of research in this field, summarising possible solutions
to the problems listed;

Identifying needs from practice and possible directions for further research;

Highlighting priorities for innovative actions by suggesting potential practical Operational
Groups or other project formats to test solutions and opportunities, including ways to
disseminate the practical knowledge gathered.
More information on EIP-AGRI Focus Groups
More information on organic farming
More information on protein crops
More information on antibiotic use for pigs
END PRESS ARTICLE
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PRESS ARTICLE: PRACTICAL TIPS ON HOT AGRICULTURAL TOPICS 22 JULY 2015
Background information
EIP-AGRI
The European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) was
launched by the European Commission to promote innovation in the agricultural and forestry sectors
to make them more sustainable and productive. It is one of five EIPs which have been launched by
the European Commission in a bid to promote rapid modernisation of the sectors concerned, by
stepping up innovation efforts. The EIP-AGRI aims to foster innovation in the agricultural and forestry
sectors by bringing research and practice closer together – in research and innovation projects as well
as via the EIP-AGRI Network.
EIPs aim to streamline, simplify and better coordinate existing instruments and initiatives and
complement them with actions where necessary. Two specific funding sources are particularly
important for the EIP-AGRI: the EU Research and Innovation framework, Horizon 2020, as well as the
EU Rural Development Policy.
EIP-AGRI tools include EIP-AGRI Focus Groups which bring together 20 experts with different
backgrounds and experience (scientists, farmers, advisers). They work together to find transferable,
innovative solutions to specific issues which are significant in today’s context.
www.eip-agri.eu
Operational Groups
EIP-AGRI Brochure on Operational Groups: Turning your idea into innovation
A list of all Managing Authorities can be found in the EIP-AGRI Brochure, to contact your local
authority for further information.
Other EIP-AGRI Brochures
EIP-AGRI Network
EIP-AGRI Service Point. How can we help you?
Innovation support services
EU funding opportunities related to innovation in agriculture, food and forestry
EIP-AGRI Focus Groups
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