EUFRAS Annual General Assembly 2025 – Strengthening Networks and Shaping the Future

Just a week ago, on February 19-20, 2025, EUFRAS members gathered for the Annual General Assembly (GA) in Galway, Ireland. This year’s event was hosted in collaboration with ACA – Agricultural Consultants Association, who served as the welcoming organization. Held at The Dean Hotel, the agenda was packed with insightful discussions, strategic planning, and thinking on valuable networking opportunities.

It was a true pleasure to see long-standing EUFRAS members and welcome new ones. The event attracted more then 50 participants from 16 member organizations across Europe, showcasing the strength and diversity of our network.

The General Assembly was officially opened by EUFRAS Chairman Rui Almeida, followed by a welcome speech from ACA President Michael Ryan. As always, the assembly provided a space to reflect on achievements from 2024, review ongoing projects and initiatives, and outline strategic priorities for the year 2025. Members also discussed, voted on, and approved key documents and amendments while newly admitted organizations had the opportunity to introduce themselves.

Another one part of the General Assembly was the workshop sessions, which provided engaging discussions and exchange on options, ideas and knowledge. Three thematic workshops took place, including a special session dedicated to young advisors, providing them with the opportunity to get to know each other, build relationships, and learn from each other. The overarching theme of the workshops was “Advisors and Their Place in AKIS”, emphasizing the evolving role of advisory services in the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.

The first day concluded with invitation to actively engage in the EUFRAS network, participate in upcoming events, and prepare for our next major gathering – the IALB / EUFRAS / SEASN Conference later this year.

The second day was dedicated to a field trip, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to explore one of Ireland’s leading agricultural research and innovation centers. Thanks to the ACA and Teagasc, EUFRAS members had the privilege of visiting to The Teagasc BIA Innovation Centre and The Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Athenry.

• The Teagasc BIA Innovation Centre – A cutting-edge research and innovation hub in agri-food and biosciences. The center plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations. It supports agri-food businesses in developing new products, improving processing methods, and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

• The Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Athenry – A leading research facility dedicated to enhancing Ireland’s sheep production systems. Its mission focuses on productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness, covering key areas such as grassland utilization, breeding and genetics, nutrition, animal health and welfare, and knowledge transfer.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ACA for hosting and organizing such a successful event and to Teagasc for offering an exclusive look into their world-class research places.

The EUFRAS Annual General Assembly 2025 was not only a space for decision-making but also an inspiring meeting point for professionals shaping the future of agricultural advisory services in Europe.

As highlighted in an article by Agriland.ie, the event reinforced the importance of strengthening advisory services, knowledge transfer, and innovation in agriculture. If you missed the coverage, you can read more about it

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/watch-european-agri-advisors-gather-in-galway/

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/dafm-may-consider-extending-acres-mandatory-training-course-deadline/

For those who couldn’t attend or want to revisit key insights, we have attached the event presentation, project posters, and a photo gallery to capture the spirit of EUFRAS GA 2025. Let this be an inspiration for others to join the EUFRAS network and be part of shaping the future of European agriculture.

See you at the next General Assembly in early 2026 – in another wonderful location!

Your EUFRAS Team