Collaborative Innovation: FLIARA’s Italian CoP

FLIARA’s third Community of Practice (CoP) in Rende, Italy, brought together over 70 participants to champion women-led innovation in rural Europe. The event, organised with the University of Calabria and the Italian CAP Rural Network, fostered discussions on policy, research, and knowledge exchange. Six FLIARA Ambassadors shared their transformative projects in sustainable farming and rural development. Key sessions explored the project’s latest research, Italian policy gaps, and the impact of female-led initiatives. Participants also engaged in workshops shaping future policies and visited innovative, women-led projects in the Valle Crati region, gaining firsthand insights into their success. The CoP underscored the urgent need for gender-responsive policies and stronger support networks for women driving change in rural areas.