Today, the FLIARA Project reached an important milestone by successfully completing its first periodic report (RP1 report) with the Research Executive Agency. 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.

FLIARA, dedicated to building a Europe-wide rural innovation ecosystem to support women-led innovative practices in farming and rural areas, had a highly productive review session. Project partners from across Europe presented their progress, showcasing the diverse and impactful work being done to empower women in rural settings.

Highlights of the Review

The consortium, which includes prestigious institutions like Delft University of Technology, Teagasc, University of Calabria, Longford Women’s Link, University of Turku, University of Ljubljana, Consulta Europa, HNE Eberswalde, ELARD, University of Oulu, ECOLISE, Mendel University in Brno, Linnaeus University, and Jönköping University, presented their work on the following key areas:

• Contextual Concepts and Assessment Frameworks Led by the University of Galway, this work focusses on creating the foundational knowledge for understanding rural innovation in the context of women-led practices.
• Foresight and Trend Analysis: The University of Turku spearheaded efforts to forecast trends that will shape the future of rural innovation.
• Women-led innovations in farming and rural areas Under the guidance of the University of Calabria, this work highlights the innovative contributions women are making in these sectors.
• FLIARA Community of Practice Network: Led by ECOLISE, this network connects stakeholders across Europe to share knowledge and best practices.
• Policy Design and Assessment: Delft University of Technology is developing frameworks to influence policy that supports rural innovation.
• Communication, dissemination, and exploitation: Consulta Europa leads this work to ensure FLIARA’s findings and initiatives are widely shared and implemented.
• Project Management: Led by the University of Galway, overseeing the coordination and delivery of the project’s ambitious goals.

A collaborative effort

The review meeting was led by Associate Professor Maura Farrell, Project Coordinator from the University of Galway. Joining her were members of the consortium, along with Sandra Heinzelmann, Project Officer from the Research Executive Agency, and external experts Nina Drejerska from Warsaw University of Life Sciences and Benedicta Drobota from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “Ion Ionescu de la Brad.” Additionally, Ariana Passa from the European Commission actively participated in the review process, offering valuable feedback and insights.

The Road Ahead

This successful review marks a pivotal moment for FLIARA, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a more innovative and inclusive rural sector. With the insights and contributions of its diverse consortium, the project continues to work towards creating an ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs and innovators across Europe’s rural areas.

As FLIARA moves into its next phase, the project remains focused on driving forward its mission to support women-led innovations, ensuring that their contributions are recognised and fully integrated into the future of European agriculture and rural development.