Navigating Through the Farmtopia Open Call: €900.000 For Agricultural Innovators
The last decade has seen a digital revolution in agriculture, with exciting new technologies promising to boost efficiency, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods. But how can small farms access these innovations and adapt them to their specific needs? That’s where Farmtopia’s Open Call walkthrough comes in, as Open Call will be launched in 2024 and we will be selecting 9 Open Call winners in 2025 to receive funding and training!
Open What?
Think of an Open Call as a contest for innovative ideas. Farmtopia is looking for partnerships between high-tech SMEs (such as software makers) and small farms. This collaborative approach should foster the development and deployment of practical Agricultural Digital Solutions (ADSs) tailored to the realities of small-scale agriculture. The co-created solutions are then tested and refined on actual farms, paving the way for broader adoption and positive impact across Europe.
Why Should You Apply?
The project will select 9 Sustainable Innovation Pilots that will co-create and test smart solutions for small farms, benefiting from Farmtopia’s reusable software modules. The overall amount to be set aside to support and fund third-party SIPs under the Open Call through sub-grants is €900.000, which means €100.000 per SIP. But participating in the Open Call presents a multitude of benefits for both SMEs and small farms beyond just financial benefits.
- Get access to a broad farming community: You will get the chance to attend networking and demonstration events where knowledge is shared and novel digital tools are showcased.
- Pioneer the Future: Be at the forefront of shaping the future of digital farming for small-scale operations. Contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agricultural landscape.
- Enhance Farm Operations: Implement cutting-edge technologies tailored to your specific needs and challenges. Boost efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and improve decision-making.
- Gain Recognition: Showcase your expertise and leadership within the digital farming community. Establish yourself as a pioneer in adopting and adapting innovative technologies.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! This walkthrough is your decoder ring for navigating the Farmtopia Open Call process.
What Kind of Solutions are We Looking For?
The sky’s the limit! The EU encourages creativity in tackling challenges faced by small farms in various areas, including:
- Precision agriculture: Optimising resource use and targeting interventions for better yield and environmental impact.
- Livestock management: Improving animal health, welfare, and productivity through monitoring and smart technologies.
- Data-driven decision making: Turning farm data into actionable insights for better planning and risk management.
- Resource efficiency: Reducing inputs like water and energy while maintaining or even increasing production.
How Do You Apply?
Stay tuned for the official Open Call launch in autumn 2024! While you wait, here’s how to get a head start:
- Identify Challenges and Opportunities: Analyse your farm’s specific needs and challenges. Align your chosen innovation with Farmtopia’s key areas of focus, such as precision agriculture, livestock management, data-driven decision making, and resource efficiency. Farmtopia has strategically planned to engage farms with diverse, heterogeneous characteristics in SIP implementation to foster ADSs’ deployment and validation in different contexts and conditions. This will ensure wide ADSs applicability and scale-out.
- Find the Right Partner: Seek collaboration with an SME whose expertise complements your farm’s needs. Look for a partner with a proven track record in developing and deploying agricultural technologies.
- Develop a Compelling Proposal: Clearly articulate the problem your innovation addresses, its potential impact on small farms, and the feasibility of its development and deployment. Utilise the resources provided on Farmtopia website (Project Overview, Newsroom, etc.) to refine your proposal and ensure it meets all program requirements.
We’re Here to Help!
Don’t let the application process intimidate you! Farmtopia offers a wealth of resources to help your proposal bloom:
- Dedicated Website: Stay updated on the Open Call timeline, access application materials, and find helpful resources on the Farmtopia website.
- Information Events: Attend webinars and workshops to gain insights into the application process, network with potential partners, and learn from agricultural and technology experts.
- Technical Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Farmtopia team for assistance. They are dedicated to providing support throughout the journey.
Grab this chance to become a game-changer in digital farming for small farms. Get ready, collaborate, and apply!
Bonus Tip: Sign up for the Farmtopia Newsletter to receive updates on latest Farmtopia developments.
Together, let’s unlock the potential of digital farming for a more sustainable and prosperous future for small farms across Europe.
