METK coordinates AKIS (abbreviation for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems) actions, with the Department of Knowledge and Innovation Services as the main contact. The AKIS action plan aims to enhance productivity and innovation in the agricultural sector by developing a coherent AKIS system, strengthening the role of advisors, and raising public awareness. The Horizon Europe project ModernAKIS is supporting cooperation with the unit in the ministry, aiming to improve AKIS actors’ capacities to leverage individual, organizational, and systemic resources.
Department of Knowledge and Innovation Services has three services
Unit of CAP Network carries out the tasks of the National CAP Network. This includes disseminating information and organizing events on rural topics, collecting and sharing good project examples, exchanging information and collaborating with the EU CAP Network and other national CAP networks within the EU.
The co-organized event Estonian Open Farms Day is where farms and agricultural producers open their doors to visitors. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about local food production and modern farming practices.
Supporting the implementation of LEADER intervention where our main activities include conducting information and training days, disseminating LEADER intervention practices and examples, and supporting international LEADER cooperation and networking.
The podcast series Rural Talks highlights individuals residing in rural areas and those actively engaged in rural life. Its main objective is to showcase the diverse aspects of rural life and delve into various topics related to it.
The co-organized event The Day of Countryside Living in Estonia aims to attract people to the rural areas by showcasing the institutions and opportunities available there. Visitors can interact with local leaders and consider the countryside as their potential future home.
Unit of Innovation Support Service's primary goal is to assist and foster innovation by providing guidance and solutions to Agri-Food's industry leaders. We help local leaders navigate through vast amounts of complex data and make informed decisions.
The Network to Innovate workshops facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, and potential partnerships. They highlight projects and enterprises from the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing on advancements in agriculture, food production, and rural areas.
Horizon Europe project PREMIERE aims to enhance the multi-actor approach by providing support in developing project proposals that are more relevant, coherent, and well-prepared. The program specifically emphasizes the involvement of new partner organizations that have not previously participated in multi-actor projects, including those that have previously submitted unsuccessful project proposals.
The EU-FarmBook platform aims to bring together and organize the tangible outputs of EU-funded research and innovation projects. Its purpose is to provide a user-friendly platform that facilitates the dissemination of practical knowledge to farmers, foresters, and advisors across Europe.
The EU CAP Network Support Facility Innovation & Knowledge Exchange (EIP-AGRI) facilitates communication and cooperation between those with a keen interest in sharing knowledge and innovative ideas for sustainable agriculture, forestry and rural areas.
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One of the main tasks of the Unit of Training and Advisory Service is to serve as a bridge between the scientific community and entrepreneurs.
Its role is to facilitate networking and ensure that knowledge and expertise are effectively shared with the appropriate individuals.
The Knowledge Transfer Program on Agriculture, Food and Rural Economy aims to facilitate knowledge transfer activities in Estonian agriculture and food production. This includes aligning with the development needs of the industry and the goals outlined in various development plans. The program involves multiple stakeholders in both the decision-making process and the implementation of activities.
The other main task of the Training and Advisory Service is to serve as a coordination and development body for agricultural and rural advisory activities in Estonia, operating within the wider AKIS context.
The task includes validating and certifying advisors, providing training for both new and experienced advisors, developing the digital advisory tools and facilitating communication within the advisory community through networking events.
Being a proud member of EUFRAS, the Advisory Service actively engages in international cooperation with advisory organizations and colleagues from other countries.
Horizon Europe project ClimateFarmDemo is an EU network of pilot farmers implementing and demonstrating climate smart solutions for a carbon neutral Europe.
The ClimateSmartAdvisors project connects and empowers the EU agricultural advisory community while accelerating transitions to climate-smart agricultural practices.
