ModernAKIS international Conference “Quo Vadis AKIS?” in Hungary

Today, 22 October 2025, the first ModernAKIS international conference “Quo Vadis AKIS?” takes place in Budapest, Hungary.

The conference aims to inspire constructive dialogue, strengthen connections within the AKIS community and provide practical guidelines for the development of more effective and sustainable AKIS across Europe.

The event offers a dynamic platform for news, reflection, discussion and knowledge exchange on how agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS) can adapt and evolve within the CAP post-2027.

The conference brings together policymakers, advisors, researchers and other key stakeholders to jointly explore the current state and future direction of AKIS in Europe.

The programme is structured around two themes:

· “Where are we going?”, which focuses on policy updates, stakeholder perspectives and the changing role of advisors in agriculture.

· “What can we learn from what we are already doing?”, which highlights lessons from EIP-AGRI projects and innovation support strategies, based on practical examples.

The conference will feature plenary presentations and interactive workshops, encouraging collaboration and in-depth discussions on advisory networks, regional development and innovation.

Of course, the EUFRAS network was also represented at this conference. Rui Almeida, Chairman of the EUFRAS Board, participated in the panel discussion and highlighted the role of advisors in the AKIS system and the future CAP.

Rui says that these have been two wonderful days with the AKIS project and with so many participants.

He admits that such meetings are held regularly, but often they lack farmers themselves – and at this conference they are present, which Rui stresses is “really great”.

He adds with a smile: “If anyone came looking for arguments or contradictions, I have bad news – everything I have heard so far is in full accordance with the EUFRAS vision.”

EUFRAS currently brings together 56 member organizations from over 30 countries, and this number continues to grow. As a network of rural advisors, EUFRAS represents and advocates for advisors, acting as a bridge between science and practice – helping farmers access knowledge and put it into practice.

Rui also stresses the importance of cross-border cooperation between advisors. In recent years, EUFRAS has gained great experience, especially with the “EUFRAS Coffee Break” initiative – online meetings where advisors and organizations share their experiences, looking for the most effective cooperation models. Also, let’s not forget “Young EUFRAS”, a programme for young advisors that promotes knowledge exchange and the involvement of young professionals at an international level.

Speaking about the future CAP, Rui stresses that the role of advisors needs to be recognized and strengthened even more clearly. Advisors help to bridge the gap between knowledge and reality in farms, but there is still room for growth in this area.

He welcomes the new changes in the operational groups, especially in the dissemination and use of investment results.

“We often see that results remain in publications or on websites, but the important question is – what happens next? How do they reach the farms and cooperatives? That is where we need to strengthen the link between knowledge and practice,” says Rui.

He also goes on to highlight the special value of rural advisors – trust.

“Farmers trust us, and that is a huge asset that must not be lost. It is one of the strongest foundations of the AKIS system.”

In his conclusion, Rui states:

“We must continue to strengthen European action with a common vision, even using different instruments. We must continue to move forward – with a common vision and continuous development.

Yes, there is a risk that this movement could slow down in the CAP proposals as the availability of funding decreases.

However, even if we have to do more with fewer resources – at farm, advisory and innovation level – we must maintain our resilience and passion.

We will continue with the conviction that innovation and knowledge are the way forward.”