Welcome to the 4th issue of the FLIARA newsletter! Over the past six months, we have celebrated significant milestones and activities, all with the shared goal of strengthening the role of women in agriculture and rural areas. Highlights include our vibrant Community of Practice events in Ireland and Slovenia, the publication of our project results, and a series of materials on Female Innovations available on our website.

 

Our efforts extended across Europe, with active participation in key activities and discussions shaping the future of gender equality in rural areas. The project team has also been diligently working on a Comparative Analysis Report, which contrasts regional contributions of women in rural areas, and the Benchmarking of Policy, offering valuable insights to support future action.

The FLIARA project, through its extensive interviews with women from 10 EU countries, has unveiled the transformative role women play in fostering sustainability in rural areas. The research focused on four sustainability dimensions—Social, Economic, Environmental, and Cultural—with each woman selected for her notable influence in at least one of these areas. However, the findings revealed a more profound insight: women innovators are making substantial contributions across all four dimensions, highlighting the interconnected nature of sustainable development.

This comprehensive approach underscores the multifaceted roles women play in driving sustainable progress. It calls for broader recognition of their contributions, as supporting these efforts is vital to achieving inclusive and holistic development across Europe.

As the FLIARA project approaches the conclusion of its second year, we take a moment to reflect on our progress and share updates on the ongoing benchmarking activities that are integral to achieving our mission. Following up on the insights shared in our July newsletter, we’re excited to provide a deeper dive into the development of our Initial Benchmarking Report and how it contributes to fostering women-led sustainable innovation in agriculture and rural areas.

The FLIARA Project celebrated its inaugural Community of Practice event, bringing together passionate individuals dedicated to supporting and accelerating women-led innovation in rural areas. Held from July 1st to July 2nd, this event marked a noteworthy achievement for the project, showcasing the remarkable progress made since its launch in January 2023. 

From September 25-26, 2024, the FLIARA Consortium hosted its 2nd Community of Practice  Networking Event in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The gathering brought together women innovators from rural and agricultural sectors, policymakers, and key stakeholders, fostering valuable dialogue on the vital role of women in shaping sustainable futures for Europe’s rural areas.

Discover the transformative rural and agricultural innovations emerging from FLIARA’s diverse case study countries. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, our project identified 200 remarkable innovations led by women across Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, Czechia, Romania, Italy, Spain, and Finland.

Each innovator's journey is highlighted in a dedicated Fact Sheet, showcasing their pioneering contributions to agriculture and rural development. These stories highlight the ingenuity and resilience of women who are redefining rural futures through technological advancements, community-led initiatives, and sustainable farming practices.

 

This interactive tool allows you to explore these innovations by Country, Sustainability Dimension, Area, and Type of Rural Context.

 

Be inspired by these innovators and their innovative solutions to complex challenges, from digital farming to creating thriving rural ecosystems. Together, they are shaping the future of European agriculture and rural areas.

For nearly two years, FLIARA has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem that champions women-led innovation in farming and rural areas across Europe. As the project nears its second-year conclusion, FLIARA is excited to share its learnings and look ahead to the exciting opportunities of the coming year. Through foresight analyses, mapping innovative case studies, and fostering a vibrant Community of Practice, FLIARA has uncovered powerful stories and actionable insights that are reshaping rural innovation.

From hosting Community of Practice events in Ireland and Slovenia to participating in key EU initiatives, FLIARA has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and spotlighting women-led rural innovations. These activities bring together stakeholders to co-create solutions, share knowledge, and shape a more inclusive future for agriculture and rural areas.

The FLIARA Project Hosts the Second General Assembly at the University of Galway

The FLIARA Project celebrated its Second General Assembly at the University of Galway on Monday, July 1, 2024. The event, attended by project partners from across Europe, showcased the remarkable progress and achievements of the FLIARA initiative aimed at fostering women-led innovation in rural and farming communities.

FLIARA Project Shines at the 35th International Geographical Congress in Dublin

On August 29th, 2024, FLIARA took centre stage at the 35th International Geographical Congress in Dublin, marking a significant moment for the discourse on sustainable futures in rural spaces. The presentation, led by Maura B. Farrell, Louise Weir, and Aisling Murtagh from the University of Galway, highlighted the critical role of women-led innovation in navigating global challenges.

FLIARA Project Showcased at EURORURAL ’24 Conference in Brno

From September 2ns to September 6th, 2024, the 8th Moravian Conference on Rural Research—EURRURAL ’24 took place in Brno, Czech Republic, bringing together experts from across Europe to discuss the evolving challenges of rural development in a time of de-globalisation. Hosted by Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU), a key partner in the FLIARA Project, the conference provided an ideal platform to highlight FLIARA’s mission to support women-led innovation in rural areas and farming.

The FLIARA Project had its First Periodic Report Review

FLIARA reached an important milestone by successfully completing its first periodic report (RP1 report) with the Research Executive Agency on September, 11th. These reports are crucial for verifying the project’s progress and assessing the eligibility of costs claimed by project partners. As a legally required step, this review serves as a vital checkpoint for ensuring that the project’s objectives are being met and that its budget is being used efficiently.

Polish Delegation Visits Slovenia to Explore Rural Innovations with FLIARA Partners

On October 3rd, 2024, the FLIARA project had the privilege of welcoming a delegation from the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinów, Poland, to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The visit, organised by the Centre’s Krakow branch, brought together a group of agricultural and rural women eager to explore innovative practices that are transforming rural areas across Slovenia.

FLIARA Participates in the Launch of the GRASS CEILING European Policy Forum for Women-led Innovation

The FLIARA project participated in the launch of the GRASS CEILING European Policy Forum for women-led innovation, an event organised by AEIDL and Copa-Cogeca on October 7th, 2024. The forum’s primary goal was to highlight the critical role of women in socio-ecological innovations within farming and rural economies and foster gender-inclusive policy development across Europe.

Advocating for Gender Equality in Agriculture: FLIARA’s Impact at the Oireachtas in Ireland 

Associate Professor Maura Farrell, the Project Coordinator for FLIARA, was invited to the Oireachtas in Leinster House, addressing the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Joining Maura were Louise Weir, FLIARA Project Manager, and Aisling Murtagh, a FLIARA researcher, collectively representing the University of Galway. Their presentation shed light on the pivotal insights gathered from the project, aimed at empowering women in rural economies on October 9th, 2024.

Women, Agriculture, and Digital Innovation: Tackling Inequality in EU Rural Areas

On October 22nd, 2024, the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) hosted an insightful CODECS webinar on addressing gender inequalities in EU agricultural areas, with a special focus on the role of digital innovation. Held just a week after the International Day of Rural Women, the event highlighted the intersection of gender, agriculture, and technology, providing a platform for experts and stakeholders to share experiences and discuss strategies to tackle challenges in the sector.

New Zealand Ambassador’s Visit Highlights FLIARA Project’s Impact on Female-led Innovations in Rural Ireland

The FLIARA project took centre stage on November 1st as Sir Trevor Mallard, the Ambassador of New Zealand to Ireland, visited Mountbellew and Kilconnell. Hosted by Dr. Edna M. Curley at Mountbellew Agricultural College, the Ambassador’s itinerary included a visit to the Living Bog, a town tour with Cllr. Michael Connolly, and an engaging discussion at Galway Rural Development Council.

Cybersecurity Essentials and Networking Mark the 2nd FLIARA Online Community of Practice Event with Aoife Noone

On November 14th, the FLIARA project celebrated its Second Online Community of Practice (CoP) event, gathering FLIARA Ambassadors and consortium members for a dynamic session featuring Aoife Noone, founder of Noone Cyber Services. Aoife is one of the 200 women innovators mapped through the project. 

AKIS in Action: Strengthening AKIS through women-led innovation

On November 19, 2024, the "AKIS in Action: Strengthening AKIS through Women-Led Innovation" event brought together key stakeholders from the FLIARA and ModernAKIS projects, underscoring the transformative role of women in driving sustainable innovation in agriculture and rural development.

FLIARA Joins the SERIGO Community of Practice Launch to Champion Women-Led Innovation and Sustainability in Rural Areas

The FLIARA project proudly participated in the launch of the Community of Practice of the EU-supported SERIGO Project. This collaboration underscores FLIARA’s commitment to advancing women-led innovations that drive sustainability and resilience in rural communities across Europe.

FLIARA at Women in Agrifood Stories 2024: Advocating for a More Inclusive Food System

The FLIARA project was proudly represented at Women in Agrifood Stories 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, on December 4th, 2024. The event’s panel, The Intersection of Agrifood and Gender: Addressing Inequality for a More Inclusive Future, sparked vital discussions on the importance of gender equality in agrifood systems.

FLIARA Participates in SWIFT Webinar on Feminist Perspectives in Research

FLIARA joined the SWIFT project’s online engagement webinar, Integrating a Feminist Perspective in Research Projects, on December 12, 2024, which brought together a diverse range of European initiatives to reflect on feminist methodologies and their application in research. 

In the rolling hills of Tumen, County Galway, one woman is revolutionising the landscape of Irish agriculture. Ursula Kelly, the dynamic Managing Director of Cormac Tagging, has taken her family’s agribusiness to new heights, blending tradition with innovation. As one of the FLIARA 20 ambassadors, Ursula is not only a leader in her field but also a beacon of inspiration for women in agriculture and rural areas.

In the serene, green landscape of the Netherlands, Mieke Elzenga is quietly revolutionising the way communities interact with land and sustainability. As the founder of LiberTerra, a unique nature reserve and sustainable community, Mieke has become a beacon of innovation in rural development, showcasing how abandoned agricultural spaces can be transformed into thriving centres of learning, living, and environmental stewardship.

In the heart of East Galway in Ireland, near the historic village of Aughrim, Blátnaid Gallagher is not just promoting local wool but also reviving a tradition that intertwines sustainability and heritage. Blátnaid, along with her husband Niall, has dedicated herself to the wool industry, transforming her ancestral farm into a hub of innovation and tradition. Their efforts in preserving mid-century farm structures and promoting sustainable practices have breathed new life into the land and its legacy.

In the heart of Sweden’s rural expanse, where the serene landscapes stretch infinitely, Alexandra Larsson found her calling. Not initially destined for the quiet life, Alexandra dreamt of globetrotting, yet life’s journey landed her in a small town in central Sweden. Here, she embarked on a venture that would redefine an industry and empower her community.

On September 4th, 2024, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, received the much-anticipated final report from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. Chaired by Professor Peter Strohschneider, the report, titled “A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe,” outlines crucial recommendations that will shape the EU’s agricultural policies over the next few years, particularly with regard to sustainable practices, gender equality, and rural resilience.

Celebrating Women’s Role in Greening European Agriculture

At FLIARA, we are dedicated to empowering women in rural areas and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We are thrilled to share insights from our Project Coordinator, Maura Farrell, who recently spoke with Horizon Magazine about the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of European agriculture.

FLIARA Project Leads Lunchtime Debate and Policy Discussion with the European Commission

On October 1st, the FLIARA project took centre stage at a lunchtime debate and future policy discussion hosted by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission. The event provided a platform for FLIARA to showcase how its ongoing research emphasises the essential role that rural and farm women play in driving sustainability, organised by Arianna Pasa, Research Programme Officer of DG AGRI.

Driving Diversity: FLIARA and EU Leaders Push for Gender Inclusion in Agriculture

Brussels became a platform for a transformative dialogue on December 12, 2024, during the "Exchange of Views on Gender Equality and Diversity: Challenges for Farming and Food." This session, part of the European Parliament’s Gender Equality Week, underscored the critical need for inclusive policies in agriculture and rural development. Organised by the AGRI Committee, the event featured a blend of expert insights, thought-provoking interventions, and heartfelt testimonies, with Associate Professor Maura Farrell, Coordinator of the FLIARA project, sharing her thoughts during the discussions.

Empowering Women to Lead the Future of Rural Innovation: FLIARA Project Completes Case Studies

In a step towards reshaping the future of rural areas, the FLIARA project has completed an extensive case study effort across Europe, identifying 20 exceptional women innovators who are transforming agriculture and rural life. These ambassadors represent the heart of FLIARA’s mission: empowering women to lead sustainable innovation in their local communities. Through in-depth research across 10 European countries, FLIARA interviewed over 200 women engaged in innovative agricultural practices and rural development initiatives

El proyecto europeo FLIARA destaca el empoderamiento femenino en las zonas rurales de España 

De cara a la transformación del futuro de las zonas rurales, el proyecto FLIARA (Innovaciones lideradas por mujeres en la agricultura y las áreas rurales) financiado por la Unión Europea ha completado un extenso esfuerzo de casos de estudio en Europa, identificando a 20 mujeres excepcionales que están revolucionando la agricultura y la vida rural. Estas embajadoras representan el corazón de la misión de FLIARA: empoderar a las mujeres para liderar innovaciones sostenibles en sus comunidades locales.

Mednarodno srečanje izkustvene skupnosti projekta FLIARA, ki se osredotoča na inovativnost žensk v kmetijstvu in na podeželju

Na Filozofski fakulteti Univerze v Ljubljani (UL FF) je 25. in 26. 9. 2024 potekal mednarodni dogodek EU projekta FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas), ki raziskuje in spodbuja inovativnost v kmetijstvu in na podeželju – s poudarkom na prispevku in vlogi žensk. Na dvodnevnem dogodku se je zbralo okrog 80 raziskovalk in raziskovalcev, predstavnic inovativnih podeželskih praks iz različnih evropskih držav, snovalci in snovalke kmetijskih politik in politik razvoja podeželja ter drugi deležniki podpornega okolja na področju kmetijstva, podjetništva, enakosti spolov in trajnostnega razvoja podeželja, skupaj iz desetih evropskih držav.

The Community of Practice event in Rende (Cosenza) will serve as a platform to bring together rural and agricultural women innovators, policymakers, key stakeholders, and consortium members from across the ten countries participating in the project. This gathering aims to facilitate knowledge transfer around the innovative practices of women engaged in rural and agricultural innovations, while also celebrating their central importance to achieving EU environmental and inclusion goals. Additionally, the event will be used to shape policy proposals to integrate and support current and future rural women engaged in innovative practices.

As the project look to the future, FLIARA continues to build momentum with several exciting initiatives planned for the coming year. Community of Practice events in Italy and Sweden will take centre stage, fostering collaboration among women innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders to co-create actionable strategies that support rural sustainability and gender equality.

 

A significant focus will be on delivering the FLIARA Toolkit, a practical resource designed to empower women with the tools and knowledge needed to lead innovative practices in farming and rural areas. Additionally, the upcoming Participatory Scenario Development Report will explore forward-thinking pathways, shaping the future of rural regions with sustainability and inclusivity at their core.

 

The project is also at work on a Gender-Specific Guide to Female-Led Innovation, which will offer tailored recommendations to address the unique challenges faced by women in agriculture and rural innovation. Culminating these efforts, the project’s Final Conference will serve as a platform to celebrate collective achievements and outline the critical next steps for advancing gender equality and innovation in Europe’s rural areas.

We are excited for what lies ahead and invite you to stay connected as FLIARA continues to strengthen the role of women in shaping sustainable futures for rural communities.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.