We are pleased to invite you to the online event “Digital Solutions for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development” – a knowledge-sharing session focusing on how digital tools and Horizon Europe funding can support innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in agriculture and rural areas.

The event organized by Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian NCP offices at the Estonian Reseach Council, Latvian Council of Science and The Research Council of Lithuania aims to provide valuable insights into the Horizon Europe Programme, particularly Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment and EU Mission A Soil Deal for Europe, and showcase successful project examples from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

This event is designed for researchers, digital solution providers, agricultural and rural development stakeholders, companies, and anyone interested in Horizon Europe opportunities.

Why join?

Participants will gain practical knowledge on:

• How to participate in Horizon Europe projects
• What the multi-actor approach means and how to implement it successfully
• Inspiring real-life examples of funded projects
• Upcoming Horizon Europe funding opportunities related to digital transformation in the agriculture and rural development.

Participants will hear inspiring success stories from experienced Horizon Europe project partners:

Hanna Tamsalu is an AKIS Development Manager from Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK). She will share valuable insights into how to successfully apply for and manage Horizon Europe (HE) projects, drawing from her experience in several Cluster 6 initiatives. METK is an experienced partner in Horizon Europe, currently involved in multiple projects such as EU-FarmBook, AMBROSIA, modernAKIS and PREMIERE.

Adomas Malaiška represents Volatile AI, an innovative Lithuanian company, which focuses on conducting research into gas and volatile organic compound detection and fingerprinting (volatilomics / volatolomics) and works both in the instrumentation and data analytics / artificial intelligence applications towards VOC fingerprinting. Volatile AI is a key technology partner in the Horizon Europe project PURPEST, which set a goal to control serious plant pests during import and to manage them in the field by developing a unique concept enabling pest detection in a timely and non-invasive manner. In the project, Volatile AI develops instrumentation and algorithms to accurately identify plants infected with pests based on the stressor molecules released from plants upon infestation.

Emīls Ķīlis is a Senior Researcher and Director at BSC Research, specializing in the social studies of science, technology, and expertise. With extensive experience in interdisciplinary research, Emīls focuses on understanding how scientific knowledge, digital tools, and stakeholder engagement shape decision-making processes in agriculture and rural development. At the event, Emīls will present insights from the Horizon Europe project CODECS (Maximizing the impact of digitalization in agriculture), where BSC Research is a project partner. CODECS explores how digital technologies, such as drones and data platforms, are applied in grassland management in Latvia, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving decision-making at farm level.

Dr. Miķelis Grīviņš is a Senior Researcher specializing in sustainable food systems, food practices in Latvia, rural development, and innovation. His research interests also extend to education and methodological approaches in social sciences, focusing on how knowledge is produced, shared, and applied in real-world contexts. Miķelis Grīviņš will deliver a presentation on the multi-actor approach in Horizon Europe projects – a key element for ensuring that research and innovation activities address real stakeholder needs and generate meaningful impact. Miķelis’ insights will be valuable for participants looking to understand the concept of multi-actor collaboration and how to implement it successfully in EU-funded projects.

The final part of the event will focus on what’s next – the 2025 Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programme and Soil Mission opportunities, presented by National Contact Points.

Registration is open until May 11! Register here to secure your spot!

The event will take place in Teams. It will be recorded and a recording link will be sent to registrants after the event.

Join us to get inspired and learn how your ideas can become part of Europe’s drive towards smarter, more sustainable agriculture and rural development.

AGENDA.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact:

Jolanta Revaitienė
NCP for Cluster 6
Ph. +370 675 69 663
E-mail: jolanta.revaitiene@lmt.lt

Irena Kuzminskienė
NCP for EU Missions
Ph: +370 608 90 644
E-mail: irena.kuzminskiene@lmt.lt