FLIARA: Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas
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Welcome to our 2nd newsletter!
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As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is both a privilege and a pleasure to present the second edition of the FLIARA Newsletter. This communication bridges the past and future, encapsulating the achievements, challenges, and aspirations that have shaped the FLIARA project over the past months and are propelling us into the dynamic landscape of 2024.
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Are You the Woman We Are Looking For?
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FLIARA is calling upon rural women who are leading transformative practices or enterprises in agriculture and rural communities to step forward and share their valuable experiences.
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If you are a rural woman actively involved in pioneering practices or enterprises within a farm or rural community, FLIARA wants to hear from you. Your innovation should encompass environmental, social, economic, and/or cultural sustainability aspects, contributing to the holistic development of your region. Click below to learn more and take the first step towards empowering yourself and the rural areas you care about. Your ideas matter, and together, we can create a brighter future!
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In the quest for sustainable futures in agriculture and rural areas, FLIARA has embarked on a transformative three-stage journey. With the aim of understanding the diverse landscape of alternative sustainable futures, FLIARA seeks to unravel the pivotal role of women in shaping innovations that can build sustainable rural communities.
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FLIARA is currently carrying out our Futures Research with communities across nine European countries. Rooting this work in different rural contexts allows FLIARA to combine local knowledge and futures research to envision sustainable farm and rural futures.
Take a sneak peek into our recent Futures Research workshop, led by the University of Turku, hosted by the University of Galway Team at the Diamond Hill Community Centre in Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway, and by Consulta Europa in a hybrid event from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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Futures Workshop - Ireland
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The Futures Research event at the Diamond Hill Community Centre in Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway was a fantastic gathering of local enterprises, Local Action Groups, education organisations, communities, and individuals who shared a sustainable vision under the framework of the FLIARA Project.
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Also, in Spain, a hybrid event took place to involve farmers, entrepreneurs, local and national administration, and research organisations' members. The event gained valuable insights by sharing manifestations of sustainable farm and rural futures to develop a broad range of innovations.
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The FLIARA project proudly unveils a transformative achievement: 31 meticulously crafted Fact Sheets. These sheets, born out of various research and innovation projects funded by the European Commission, are a testament to FLIARA’s commitment to fostering female-led innovations.
Integral to Deliverable D1.2, titled ‘Review of Existing Knowledge Focused on Women-Led Innovation in Farming and Rural Areas,’ these Fact Sheets are divided into two parts: Part A, the knowledge review, and Part B, the Fact Sheets. Crafted collaboratively by all project partners, the Fact Sheets serve as a rich repository of relevant data and information, tailored to the unique context of FLIARA’s mission.
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Challenging Gender Norms and Stereotypes
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FLIARA is challenging prevailing gender norms and stereotypes, fostering gender consciousness by acknowledging and appreciating the concrete impact and economic value that women contribute to rural economies and development. We are working towards the development of practical tools and to propose policies ensuring the integration and support of women within a more effective innovation ecosystem. In the accompanying short video, we delve into the background of our project and outline the motivation behind FLIARA.
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A Positive Turn for FLIARA
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In a landmark decision on November 20, 2023, the European Council granted unanimous approval of the conclusions for a comprehensive long-term vision aimed at bolstering the prosperity, resilience, and social fabric of the EU’s rural areas. The approved conclusions provide crucial political guidance to both the European Commission and member states, recognising the pivotal role rural areas play in economic, green, and digital transitions and climate action.
FLIARA celebrates that one of the key aspects considered by the ministers in the conclusions is the role of women. The Council takes into account that supporting measures are needed to help create work opportunities and better involve women in decision-making. The equal participation of women in farming is also an important goal highlighted by the ministers in this regard.
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From September 27 to September 29, 2023, the high-level Rural Policy Forum, took place in Singüenza, Spain. The event, organised by the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, aimed to advance the political agenda for the future of rural areas and gather key political actors to support the objectives of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (LTVRA) and the Rural Pact. Maura Farrell, Project Coordinator, Associated Professor, had the opportunity to introduce attendees to the FLIARA Project during the reporting of discussions and conclusions, with a specific focus on “Boosting Women’s Role in Rural Areas.”
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FLIARA Project Participates in the European Society for Rural Sociology Conference
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The European Society for Rural Sociology Conference, held in Rennes, France this year, served as a platform for addressing the impact of recent crises on rural trajectories. Under the overarching theme of reimagining rural areas amidst rapid changes, the conference brought together experts and researchers from various fields. Among the participants were FLIARA Project Coordinator, Associate Professor Maura Farrell and FLIARA Project Manager Louise Weir, representing the FLIARA Project.
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Empowering Rural Transformation: EUCAP Network’s Brochure on Social Innovation
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In a world driven by innovation and collaboration, the EUCAP Network takes a step forward with their brochure for August 2023, focusing on “Social Innovation: Solutions for Thriving Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Areas.” This publication delves into the transformative power of social innovation, showcasing how it can revolutionise the landscape of agriculture, forestry, and rural communities. Click below to learn more about how the EUCAP Network’s brochure and the FLIARA project exemplify the possibilities of social innovation.
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RURACTIVE Project Launches to Empower Rural Communities for Change
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The RURACTIVE (Empowering rural communities to act for change) research project, funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, officially commenced its activities in Bologna, Italy, this year. During the launch event in Bologna, Élise Lépy, representing FLIARA, highlighted our project's efforts to enhance rural areas.
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FLIARA Presented at the Grass Ceiling Showcase Event
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The GRASS CEILING Annual Showcase Event held at the COPA-COGECA Offices in Brussels on September 13, 2023, witnessed the active participation and presentation of the FLIARA project by Associate Professor Maura Farrell and FLIARA Project Manager Louise Weir, both representing the University of Galway. This event served as a platform for collaborative engagement and the exchange of ideas between various initiatives, including the Grass Ceiling and SWIFT projects.
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FLIARA Project Consortium Held Its First General Assembly Meeting
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The FLIARA Project consortium convened virtually on October 5th and 6th for its inaugural FLIARA General Assembly Meeting. The meeting featured comprehensive presentations on the progress, lessons learned, and forthcoming steps of the project’s Work Packages by its partners. Interactive sessions facilitated by project coordinators allowed for enhanced project engagement and discussions on upcoming deliverables and activities. The meeting also included valuable feedback from members of the Stakeholder Advisory Board.
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FLIARA Project showcased to the Erasmus+ Initiative, Unveiling Solutions for Remote and Rural Communities
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In a significant stride towards addressing the unique challenges faced by remote and rural communities across Europe, Consulta Europa took the spotlight this week, unveiling the FLIARA Project during the Erasmus+ EUROPE Project activities. The initiative, designed to weave connections among these communities, scrutinise shared challenges, and advocate for a unified approach to societal changes, places emphasis on active community participation in decision-making processes.
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FLIARA delighted to participate at the 2023 European LEADER Congress in Brussels
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Last December 19, 2023, FLIARA, delivered a compelling presentation at the European LEADER Congress 2023 in the heart of Brussels. This significant event, organised by ELARD, a partner of the FLIARA Project, aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders to convene, fostering dialogue and amplifying their voices within the European capital.
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We have actively participated in significant activities, connecting with like-minded enthusiasts and women innovators, and spotlighted our project across various media channels. Keen to delve deeper? Click below to explore our stories!
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Presenting FLIARA to Estonian LAGs during their visit to Galway
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The University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre played host to an Estonian delegation, including Maarja Pikkmets from the NGO Kodukant Läänemaa Local Action Group (LAG) and a group of dedicated community activists. This visit, which took place on September 13th, was part of the ongoing collaboration within the EU-funded PREMIERE Project.
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Celebrating the Unwavering Spirit of Rural Women
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In recognition of the International Day of Rural Women, we had the privilege of speaking with two remarkable women innovators in agriculture and rural areas of Spain. Their stories exemplify the invaluable contributions of rural women to development and their unwavering commitment to their communities.
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FLIARA Project Unveils Visions for the Future of Rural Sweden
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In a significant stride towards addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting rural areas in Sweden, our colleagues, Annie Roos and Helene Ahl, from Linnaeus University and Jönköping University, respectively, unveiled the findings of the FLIARA Project in Stockholm.
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FLIARA Project Radiates Innovation and Empowerment on Connemara Community Radio
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Connemara Community Radio, the cherished local voice of the Connemara region on the west coast of Ireland, played host to a captivating conversation about innovation, empowerment, and the promising FLIARA project on the morning of October 16. Niamh McGuinness, member of the University of Galway, engaged in a stimulating interview with radio host Marian Herriott.
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Cultivating Change: Empowering Rural Communities Through Female-Led Innovations
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Ireland's National Ploughing Championships 2023
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Niamh Nolan, our FLIARA colleague, joined the vibrant scene at Ireland's National Ploughing Championships this year. In the heart of Ratheniska, County Laois, she had some incredible discussions about the FLIARA project, surrounded by the local entrepreneurial spirit in the Local Enterprise Village.
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Anastasia Oprea, our FLIARA colleague from ECOLISE had the opportunity to attend the European Ecovillage Gathering 2023 this year in Germany. Anastasia presented the project to families, farmers, activists, politicians, and scientists who all came together to explore sustainable living and create positive change.
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Online Forum by FLIARA project
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The FLIARA project (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) successfully convened a groundbreaking Online Forum on 20 June, bringing together ten EU-funded projects focused on rural development, smart communities, and gender equality.
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TResearch Magazine: Empowering Women in Agriculture and Rural Innovation
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The FLIARA Project has garnered recognition in the Winter 2023 edition of TResearch Vol. 18 Magazine by Teagasc. The collaborative efforts of Teagasc and the lead coordinator, the University of Galway, are part of a broader initiative spanning various partners across the European Union.
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Solutions leading to thriving agriculture, forestry and rural areas
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This brochure puts the spotlight on innovative projects that tackle social challenges through innovation, knowledge exchange and new ways of working together. They specifically illustrate solutions for social inclusion on the farm, better health and well-being, and revitalised and resilient rural communities.
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Unveiling the FLIARA Team: Consortium Composition
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FLIARA's multi-actor framework is built by bringing together organisations involved in many ways in research, innovation, networks, policy, and practice contexts. In our previous newsletter, we presented four of our 15 partners, and we are pleased to acquaint you with six additional partners, each bringing their unique expertise to diverse aspects of the FLIARA project.
Central to FLIARA is a consortium characterised by diversity, expertise, and innovation, representing ten EU Member States. Explore further details below!
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Consulta Europa (CE), an SME specialising in the management of research, communication, education, and innovation projects, is situated in the Canary Islands. Established in 2009 as a private local development agency and knowledge centre, Consulta Europa’s primary goal is to offer innovative solutions at the European Union (EU) level, addressing both general local issues and specifically those faced by the Canary Islands. As part of the FLIARA Project, CE anticipates overseeing Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation activities.
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Established in 1999, the European Leader Association for Rural Development (ELARD) is an international non-profit organisation founded by the National Leader Networks of various EU Member States. ELARD now represents over 450 Local Action Groups (LAGs) managing the LEADER+ Community Initiative, National Programmes for Rural Development, and other initiatives unrelated to rural development and the FLIARA Project, ELARD aims to engage all stakeholders in rural development at a local level.
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The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is dedicated to forward-looking industries and key sectors such as nature protection, forest management, organic farming, climate change adaptation, sustainable economics, timber construction, and sustainable tourism management.
Renowned for its holistic approach to sustainability, diverse courses addressing future-oriented topics, and steadfast commitment to sustainability research, HNEE stands as a driving force for sustainable development. Within the German context, HNEE brings expertise in agriculture, communications, and marketing and actively supports and contributes to the activities of the FLIARA project.
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Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, serves as the national entity delivering comprehensive research, advisory, and training services to Ireland's agriculture and food industries, as well as rural communities. Teagasc plays a crucial role in connecting rural and farm innovation practices to the FLIARA Project. Moreover, its strong affiliations with advisory services throughout the EU enhance the project's capacity to establish valuable connections with farming organisations across Europe.
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Longford Women’s Link (LWL) is a dynamic social enterprise in Ireland which was founded in 1995. Over the past 28 years LWL has diversified and expanded to become a substantial organisation that uses its unique Integrated Service Delivery model to provide practical supports to women and their families while incorporating good practice in community development to advocate for social change.
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Within the FLIARA project, Linnaeus University (LNU) focuses on the field of agriculture and plays a co-leading role in Work Package 3 (WP3). This work package involves the analysis and exploration of pathways and needs related to women-led sustainability innovations, along with the development of methodologies for executing case studies.
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As we contemplate the positive achievements of our first year, we draw inspiration from the exciting possibilities that await us. In the coming months, our consortium will diligently craft case studies within our inventory of female-led innovations. We will be continuing to work on our futures research and we will conduct our Community of Practice Networking Events!
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Prepare to transition to the next phase and embark on the upcoming chapter of #FLIARAEU. The second year is positioned to unfold as a symphony of progress, innovation, and shared victories. Let us collaboratively script a narrative that surpasses boundaries and heralds a brighter, more inclusive future.
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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.
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