Farmtopia’s Second Expert Advisory Board Meeting
As Farmtopia moves into its final stretch, the project reached one of the key milestones by convening the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Expert Advisory Board (EAB), a space designed to take a step back, assess progress, and shape what comes next.
Held online in March , the meeting brought together project partners and external experts for a focused and forward-looking discussion on Farmtopia’s achievements, challenges, and future direction.
Farmtopia’s Expert Advisory Board, composed of its sister projects Phito and Guardians alongside Copa Cogeca, plays a key role in providing strategic orientation and outreach. As the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU, Copa Cogeca contributes to ensuring that European agriculture remains sustainable, innovative, and competitive, while supporting food security for millions across Europe.
The EAB convenes annually to:
- Offer external perspectives on project activities and feedback on findings, particularly on technological aspects and the application of Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADSs) in real-world conditions
- Guide decision-making to align with strategic goals and optimise results
- Strengthen dissemination by leveraging networks and maximising outreach and impact
A Structured Exchange of Knowledge and Feedback
With the project set to conclude in August 2026, this year’s meeting came at a particularly strategic moment. Over the past year, Farmtopia has made significant progress, transitioning from concept to implementation.
With the project set to conclude in August 2026, this year’s meeting came at a particularly strategic moment. Over the past year, Farmtopia has made significant progress, transitioning from concept to implementation.
The meeting followed a well-defined agenda, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the project while allowing space for discussion. After a brief introduction and overview of objectives, participants were guided through the current state of play and key milestones, including:
- The completion of the first phase of internal Sustainable Innovation Pilots (SIPs).
- The successful launch of nine additional SIPs selected through the Open Call.
- The release and user testing of Farmtopia software components and the ADSs Sharing Platform
- The development of the Technological Code of Conduct, alongside consultation sessions with both SIP actors and external stakeholders.
- Continued advancement in collaboration models and stakeholder engagement activities.
These achievements reflect not only the technical progress of the project but also its commitment to co-creation, inclusivity, and real-world applicability.
The Value of External Expertise
At its core, the Expert Advisory Board ensures that Farmtopia remains aligned with broader sector needs and expectations. By bringing in external perspectives, the project benefits from independent validation, constructive feedback, and strategic guidance on sustainability and long-term impact.
Looking Ahead
While the first EAB meeting focused on setting the foundations, introducing the project, its services, and the Open Call roadmap, this second gathering clearly demonstrated how far Farmtopia has come.
As the project enters its final months, the focus now shifts toward consolidating results and ensuring the sustainability and scalability of its solutions. The insights gathered during this meeting will play a key role in shaping Farmtopia’s lasting impact across the agri-food sector.