Organised by the Centre of Competence Ltd. for Research and Development, a two-day workshop entitled “AKIS Synergies in Practice: Innovation, Digitalisation and Emerging Opportunities as Drivers of Generational Renewal and the Empowerment of Young People and Women in Rural Development” took place on 7–8 October 2026 at the FERBEŽAR Family Farm tasting venue in Otok, Croatia.
The workshop focused on knowledge transfer, showcasing good practices and exchanging experiences on opportunities to foster innovative and competitive agriculture and sustainable rural entrepreneurship.
Participants were introduced to the FOREST4EU and FORADVISE projects, the activities of the Šumanovci Local Action Group (LAG), and the potential of truffle cultivation as an emerging business and research opportunity. Particular attention was given to inspiring examples of young farmers and women entrepreneurs who are creating added value and opening up new opportunities in rural areas through innovative products, precision farming, digital technologies and rural tourism.
Good practices and development initiatives were presented by Martina Šaravanja (Martina Šaravanja Family Farm), Marija Kalistović (Marija Kalistović Family Farm), Marija Živković (Kuzmanovi dvori), Tomislav Balošić (Tomislav Balošić Family Farm), Ivan Jemrić (Ivan Jemrić Family Farm) and FERBEŽAR Family Farm. The programme also featured expert contributions from Prof. Ivica Tikvić of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, who explored the potential of truffle cultivation, and Verica Musić from LAG Šumanovci, who presented local development opportunities through the LEADER approach.
During the interactive sessions, participants discussed the further development of EIP Operational Groups, opportunities in truffle cultivation, and the challenges and prospects facing young people and women in agriculture. The exchange of experiences and collaborative discussions helped identify new opportunities for cooperation and future project initiatives.
The workshop also provided a foundation for defining future priorities, including strengthening knowledge transfer, building closer links between researchers and farmers, encouraging innovation and digitalisation, and promoting greater participation of young people and women in rural development.
Overall, the event strengthened cooperation among stakeholders within the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) and highlighted the importance of innovative approaches in supporting sustainable rural development.
We would like to thank all participants for their engagement, valuable insights and contributions to the success of the workshop.
