The fourth General Assembly (GA) meeting of ClimateSmartAdvisors (CSA) took place across two virtual sessions on January 16 and 21, 2025. The event brought together project partners to assess progress, refine strategies, and set key priorities for the next phases of the initiative. Discussions centered on project management, knowledge-sharing, training, and network expansion at both national and EU levels to strengthen climate-smart advisory services.
Day 1: January 16 – Setting the Roadmap for the Future
Strategic Vision and Project Progress
The assembly opened with a session led by project coordinator Lies Debruyne (ILVO), who provided an overview of CSA’s progress and outlined the roadmap for the next two years. Participants discussed optimizing project management structures, enhancing collaboration, and addressing ethics requirements to ensure smooth implementation.
Expanding the CSA Network
Facilitated by Laure Triste (ILVO), an in-depth discussion explored the development of the Community of Practice (CoP) network. While the CSA-Capacity Assessment Tool (CAT) confirmed strong technical expertise among advisers, it highlighted a need for further support in climate policy and regulatory knowledge. The session also emphasized the importance of linking national and EU-level Policy Implementation Plans (PIP) to ensure a cohesive and effective approach.
Launch of “Farming for Climate” Knowledge Repository
A key milestone of the assembly was the presentation of “Farming for Climate,” CSA’s knowledge repository set to launch in 2025. Designed to centralize critical climate-smart advisory resources, the platform will provide advisers and farmers with actionable insights. Sofia Mouseti (AUA) and Florence Bedoin (IDELE) facilitated a feedback session to refine the platform ahead of its rollout.
Enhancing Training and Capacity Building
Training remains a cornerstone of CSA’s strategy. Discussions covered upcoming CoP training events, the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) program, and the integration of training modules within the ‘Farming for Climate’ platform. Innovative approaches, such as microlearning and interactive online modules, were explored to enhance accessibility and engagement. Carolanne O’Brien (Teagasc) led the session.
CoDIEs and Impact Amplification
The session on Co-Design Innovative Experiments (CoDIEs) introduced their role in advancing climate-smart advisory services. Facilitated by Cynthia Giagnocavo and Hala El Moussaoui (UAL), the discussion focused on optimizing dissemination strategies and scientific communication. Participants emphasized storytelling, audience engagement, and leveraging social media for broader outreach.
Maximizing Research Dissemination and Impact
Isidora Čolić (BIOS) concluded the day with a session on effective research dissemination, covering:
- The importance of strategic communication in maximizing impact.
- Nine essential steps for sharing research results effectively.
- Crafting compelling, newsworthy stories for diverse audiences.
- Leveraging AI for content creation.
A digital workbook was introduced to assist partners in dissemination efforts, alongside quarterly webinars designed to enhance research communication strategies.
Day 2: January 21 – Global Perspectives and Dynamic Learning
Keynote on Climate-Smart Farming
The second session opened with a keynote by Carl Larsen, Executive Secretary of GFRAS and CSA advisory board member, who provided a global perspective on Climate-Smart Farming (CSF). His presentation underscored best practices from around the world and highlighted the crucial role of advisers in climate adaptation efforts.
Interactive Learning and Problem-Solving
Facilitated by Jorieke Potters (WUR), Dynamic Learning in Action (DLA) sessions encouraged participants to collaboratively address key advisory challenges through real-world case studies. Discussions centered on:
- Raising awareness about climate-smart advice through peer learning and demonstration events.
- Building advisory skills in climate resilience through active listening and co-creation.
- Strengthening national-level knowledge-sharing among advisers and farmers.
- Engaging farmers by demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of climate-smart practices.
- Improving climate action monitoring through digital tools and sustainability audits.
Key insights from these discussions were incorporated into the CSA Dynamic Learning Agenda, identifying best practices such as peer-learning networks, demonstration farms, and digital impact measurement tools.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Advisory Services
A session on the AKISConnect platform explored how digital resources can enhance advisory services. Participants discussed strategies to leverage the platform for innovation, strategic development, and stakeholder engagement.
Final Reflections and Next Steps
The fourth edition of the General Assembly concluded with a recap of key takeaways and a forward-looking discussion on CSA’s strategic direction. Participants provided feedback on the meeting’s effectiveness and outlined priorities for the next General Assembly, focusing on strengthening CSA’s impact across Europe and beyond.
