i2connect Final Conference
Launched in November 2019, the i2connect project focuses on empowering advisors and facilitators to support interactive innovation processes in agriculture and forestry. By strengthening the role of advisory services, i2connect aims to foster a more collaborative and innovative agricultural environment. Different activities are part of the project, including workshops, training sessions, and the creation of an advisory services database. Advisors can benefit greatly from this database, which gives them access to a network of professionals and information about innovative practices.
The i2connect final conference took place from the 1st to the 3rd of October 2024 in Varna, Bulgaria. A team from AdvisoryNetPEST was there to discover the outcomes of i2connect: national AKIS studies, case studies of interactive innovation projects across Europe, training contents and materials, a toolkit for facilitators, a pool of trained experts who can be contacted via i2connect’s “Advisory Services Database”… There were also field visits to discover innovative projects in Bulgaria, and time for informal discussions and networking between participants.
Synergies between i2connect and AdvisoryNetPEST :
Both i2connect and AdvisoryNetPEST initiatives aim to enhance agricultural practices through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovation. These two projects are interconnected through their collective impact on sustainable agriculture. They recognize the role of advisors in facilitating the adoption of new practices.
Knowledge sharing: Both projects prioritize the training and education of advisors by providing the latest knowledge and tools to reach the farmers. The training programs and workshops organized by i2connect complement the efforts of AdvisoryNetPEST in promoting sustainable pest management practices.
Collaborative networks: The creation of an advisory network is important for both projects. i2connect’s Advisory Services Database and AdvisoryNetPEST’s EU network of advisors facilitate the exchange of information and promising practices. These networks enable advisors to collaborate, share experiences, and develop solutions for their respective countries.
Focus on sustainability: Sustainability is a central theme for both projects. While i2connect aims to foster interactive innovation in agriculture, Advisory NetPEST focuses specifically on reducing pesticide use and risks, promoting environmentally friendly pest management approaches that are also sustainable on the economic and social aspects.
Perspective for AdvisoryNetPEST :
Earlier this summer, AdvisoryNetPEST participated in an i2connect cross-visit event in France, Toulouse. This event provided an excellent opportunity to draw inspiration from the project’s dynamics, key successes, and challenges encountered. We plan to use some of the i2connect tools during our AdvisoryNetPEST general assembly in 2025 to facilitate interactions and reflections during the meetings. Additionally, we are studying some methodological aspects of the project, such as the “cross-visit guide,” to adapt them for use in AdvisoryNetPEST.
