Recap of the April EUFRAS “Coffee Break” event

On 30 April 2026, the monthly EUFRAS “Coffee Break” event took place on the Zoom platform. This time it was organised in collaboration with the Horizon Europe project OrganicAdviceNetwork. The aim of the event was to explore how advisory services for organic farming are developing across Europe.

The event was opened by Anita Dzelme from EUFRAS, who welcomed more than 40 participants and introduced the topic, as well as two outstanding advisory networks that are winners of the OrganicAdviceNetwork “Innovative Organic Advice Contest”. These networks were recognised for their innovation, impact, and forward-looking approach.

The “Coffee Break” continued with Anna Wilhelm, who provided a broader overview of the OrganicAdviceNetwork project and the “Innovative Organic Advice Contest” initiative. She explained that the project aims to establish and strengthen a Europe-wide network of organic farming advisors by 2028. The project involves 32 advisory services and research institutes working together to create an open environment for knowledge exchange. It includes a free online platform with training courses and thematic networks, as well as 16 cross visits across various European countries. Anna Wilhelm also introduced the purpose of the contest and handed over to the two winning networks.

The first speaker was Carolina Tostain, an organic farming advisor from Normandy (France) and representative of the “GIEE LAIT BIO BAS CARBONE” network. She shared insights gained from long-term work with organic dairy farms. She highlighted that the role of the advisor is changing—from an expert to a process facilitator who creates an environment in which farmers can learn and develop independently. Emotional and social support is equally important, as quality of life matters alongside technical improvements.

Over five years of cooperation with 12 dairy farms, significant reductions in carbon emissions were achieved while simultaneously improving the farms’ economic performance. Carolina also emphasised the importance of creativity in advisory work, using co-creation methods and unconventional solutions to address specific challenges.

The second winning network representative was Anika Fuger from the German organisation “SoLaWi Netzwerk”. She presented the principles of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), where consumers and producers share both risks and costs. In this model, the advisory system is supported by 24 volunteer experts who provide initial free consultations. The main focus is placed on organisational, communication, and technical aspects, as well as agronomy. At the same time, this approach helps restore the true value of food within society.

The EUFRAS team thanks all participants, project representatives, and advisory network experts for the valuable exchange of experience. The event once again demonstrated the importance of networking, peer learning, and mutual support. A successful advisory model always starts with a genuine understanding of farmers’ needs.

If you were unable to join online this time, you are invited to watch the event recording.

We look forward to seeing you at the next EUFRAS “Coffee Break” on 28 May, when the BroilerNet project team will present their innovative approach and share examples of good practices from their innovation networks.