AGROECOLOGY | AKIS | ARCH | BIOECONOMY | FISH | FOOD SYSTEMS | FOREST |
ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE RESEARCH | SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION |
The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) supports the European Commission (EC), EU Member States and Associated Countries on research and innovation (R&I) priorities to address Europe's challenges in agriculture, fisheries, food systems, forestry, and the wider bioeconomy.
Newsletter
June 2024
Welcome to the SCAR newsletter. You will read more about the latest news, events, publications, and networking possibilities regarding the SCAR network.
The SCAR newsletter is prepared every six months and sent to subscribers.
SCAR News
LAUNCH OF THE RefreSCAR PROJECT
Launched in September 2023, the RefreSCAR project is a Horizon Europe funded Coordination and Support Action (CSA) providing targeted support to the SCAR Working Groups (WGs). 18 partner organisations from 14 European countries are on a mission to boost the strategic functioning and capacities of the SCAR WGs in order to facilitate the improved coordination of national and European R&I programmes. RefreSCAR is rolling out a toolkit of measures including scientific support (portfolio analysis and expert studies) and practical administrative support for SCAR WGs, as well as support for the SCAR Foresight process. To boost the participation of under-represented countries in SCAR WGs, RefreSCAR is launching the SCAR-Engage Programme, which will provide financial and peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing for new WG members from participant countries. RefreSCAR is also increasing the communication and visibility of SCAR WG activities. On top of that, RefreSCAR will connect SCAR WGs with EU policymakers, practitioners and international initiatives through dedicated fora, creating a strong link between research, innovation, policy, and practice.
Follow RefreSCAR on social media and visit the website for more information! And find out more about opportunities for supports for new SCAR WG members through the SCAR-Engage Programme later below!
UPCOMING SCAR PLENARY AND FIELD TRIP IN BELGIUM
The 40th SCAR Plenary Meeting will take place under the Belgian Presidency on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. The Plenary will focus on recent developments in European policy and updates from the SCAR Groups, as well as the current Belgian and forthcoming Hungarian Presidencies. The Director General of DG RTD, Marc Lemaitre, will open the Plenary. During the day, SCAR Delegates will discuss in four breakout sessions how SCAR can support different activities. The plenary of the morning will be followed by two thematic breakout groups on: i) the 6th SCAR Foresight and on ii) the EU Mission Soil, while the plenary of the afternoon by two thematic breakout rooms on: iii) alignment and deploying synergies across Horizon Europe Cluster 6 partnerships, and on iv) the Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU. All discussions aim for concrete follow-up activities by SCAR.
The afternoon before, there will be a field visit to the Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) outside Ghent organised by the Belgian Presidency. It will include a visit to key research infrastructure and facilities of the Plant Sciences Unit and the Technology and Food Sciences Unit. Read more on the SCAR plenary here.
JOINT WORKSHOP AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERT CONSULTATION INVOLVING THREE SCAR GROUPS
SCAR ARCH, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Working Groups joined forces to organise a joint SCAR Workshop on “Research Needs and Priorities for the Transformation to Sustainable Food Systems at European and Global Level” on the mornings of 23-25 January 2024. The online workshop served as an international expert consultation on the challenges facing the global food system and aimed to identify priority R&I issues to be addressed in the short, medium and long term. It brought together 120 participants from 32 countries and included contributions from high-level keynote speakers.
You can find more information, including the keynote presentations, here. A summary report is in preparation. The insights will be shared with the upcoming Horizon Europe Sustainable Food Systems Partnership, and used for the international dimension of the work streams by each WG.
BRAINSTORMING FOR THE 6th SCAR FORESIGHT
A first brainstorming workshop for the 6th SCAR Foresight Exercise was held on 21st February in Brussels, under the title ‘Shaping the future – Steps towards a new SCAR Foresight Exercise’. Chairs and Members of SCAR Groups, as well as SCAR delegates and experts from the European Commission reflected on previous Foresight Exercises, including the 5th SCAR Foresight, and discussed gaps, ideas and potential topics for the 6th SCAR Foresight. It was agreed to develop proposals for two identified topics further.
A second brainstorming workshop was held on 27th May in Brussels also involving stakeholders. A joint topic was discussed and aspects of the methodology, as well as potential foresight experts and relevant sectors.
FORUM OF SCAR WORKING GROUP CHAIRS
The Forum of SCAR Working Group Chairs was established to provide a space for SCAR Group Co-Chairs, European Commission Contact Points and the RefreSCAR Core Team to engage outside of SCAR Plenary/Steering Group meetings.
Its high-level objectives are to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, to create opportunities for cross-fertilisation of ideas and bilateral/multilateral cooperation among SCAR Groups and to provide a platform for discussion of SCAR Group activities and support needs, as well as RefreSCAR’s ongoing activities.
The Forum met for the second time in March 2024 to learn about ongoing developments across the SCAR Groups, to hear about the successful Joint Workshop undertaken by SCAR ARCH, Food Systems and Bioeconomy Working Groups, and to brainstorm about future activities and possible new initiatives..
FEATURED SCAR MEMBER
Niels Halberg, PhD Co-Chair of the SCAR Food Systems Strategic Working Group
Director of the Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture, Aarhus University, Denmark Niels Halberg has been member of the SCAR FS SWG since its establishment and the first mandate representing Danish Ministry of Food and Agriculture. He has led activities in the first two mandate periods of SCAR FS and has now accepted responsibility as Co-chair.
Niels brings more than 30 years of experience in research and research facilitation within organic agriculture, cropping and dairy systems, agroecology and food systems, environmental assessment of farming systems and food (LCA). Niels coordinates and facilitates international collaboration in research and science based policy advice including as the main contact for AU in EIT Food, EJP-Soil, and Co-lead of the CSA FoodPathS. Niels is leading the WP on science advice and international relations in the HE partnership for a Sustainable Future of Food Systems and thus part of the Executive Board.
HORIZON EUROPE PARTNERSHIPS
LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP ON AGROECOLOGY
The Agroecology Partnership relies on a common vision whereby a broad stakeholder constellation teams up to unlock the transition to agroecology so that farming systems are made resilient, productive and prosperous, place-sensitive, as well as climate, environment, ecosystem, biodiversity and people-friendly by 2050. The Agroecology Partnership held its kick-off meeting in Brussels on 28-29 February and launched its 1st call in February aimed at “Fostering agroecology at farm and landscape levels”. It is coordinated by Project Management Juelich GmBH in Germany and brings together 70 partners from 26 countries/regions. The partnership will develop networks of living labs and research infrastructures to allow experimentation between practice and science at different levels. To receive updates, you can subscribe to the Agroecology Partnership newsletter on the website. The SCAR Agroecology SWG was the co-creation platform for this Partnership.
LAUNCH OF THE EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP ON ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE
The European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare is by far the most ambitious research and innovation initiative the European Commission has funded to control infectious diseases of animals, and to promote animal welfare. Coordinated by Ghent University in Belgium, it brings together 90 partners including 56 leading research performing organisations and 30 funding organisations from across Europe and is anticipated to invest €360 million over seven years to boost research and facilitate cooperation between all actors. The SCAR AHW CWG was a critical co-creation platform for this Partnership. The kick-off meeting of the Partnership was held on the 26-27 February in Brussels. A launch event was also hosted by DG AGRI for the two European Partnerships on Animal Health and Welfare and Agroecology on 28 February. Watch the full recording here.
PARTNERSHIP ON SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS (SFS) FOR PEOPLE, PLANET AND CLIMATE LAUNCHING SOON
The official launch of the selected Partnership for Sustainable Food Systems for people, planet and climate will take place on June 19th in Dijon (registration here). Led by the French National Research Agency (ANR), this Partnership aims for the transformation of national, EU and global food systems, making them safe, sustainable, healthy, resilient and trusted – for everyone and within planetary boundaries. Preparatory actions to establish the future Partnership were guided by the SCAR Food Systems Strategic Working Group and supported by the European Commission. Read more here.
The preparatory action, FOODPathS, an EU funded project active until November 2025, offers concrete pathways and necessary tools to support the establishment of the Partnership.
EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURE OF DATA IN PREPARATION
The Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programme for 2023-2025 has been updated to include a call topic for a co-funded “European Partnership of Agriculture of Data” (HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-02-01). The partnership aims to improve climate, environmental, and socio-economic sustainability, as well as increase agricultural productivity, while enhancing policy monitoring and evaluation capabilities. These goals will be achieved by utilizing Earth and environmental observation data, along with innovative technologies. A proposal is under development ahead of the submission deadline of 25 June 2024. SCAR was one of the critical co-creation fora for this Partnership.
EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP ON FORESTS AND FORESTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FORESEEN
The Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027 has been published and includes a proposed co-funded European Partnership on “Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future”. The proposed Partnership, which received strong support from the Member States, is envisaged to promote healthy, biodiverse and resilient forests that are sustainably managed and able to provide a wide range of key ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation through carbon removals and a continuing supply of materials and services for the development of the bioeconomy. A strategic R&I agenda for forestry and the forest-based sector (SRIA) is being developed by the EUFORE project and the SCAR Forest SWG is supporting the development of the Partnership fiche.
SCAR WORKING GROUP UPDATES
The SCAR Working Groups form an inspiring network of motivated peers. They offer unique platforms to develop R&I agendas, co-construct European R&I partnerships, and exchange experiences and best practices. There are currently nine SCAR Working Groups.
Seven Strategic Working Groups (SWGs) exist: Agroecology (AE), Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), European Agricultural Research towards greater impact on global Challenges (ARCH), Bioeconomy (BSW), Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (FISH), Food Systems (FS), Forest and Forestry Research and Innovation (FOREST) and two Collaborative Working Groups (CWGs): Animal Health and Welfare (AHW), Sustainable Animal Production (SAP). In addition, there are two Task Forces: Foresight and Alternative Proteins.
AKIS swg
The mission of the SCAR AKIS SWG is to build an EU-wide knowledge and innovation network focusing specifically on working with and for farmers, foresters and rural communities. The group met online on 21st March to exchange on topics such as support for AKIS under CAP and Horizon Europe, the experience of different Member States on strengthening advisory services and skills and lifelong learning for advisors. The SCAR AKIS officially handed over the report from the 5th mandate to Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski on 27th May (link). The next meeting under the 6th Mandate will take place in Bucharest on 18-19 June.
ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE CWG
The Plenary meeting of the AHW CWG on the 23rd May heard updates from the Animal Welfare Subgroup and Strategy & Foresight Unit, as well as a presentation of the results of a survey of country AH&W research priorities and challenges. There were topical talks about animal influenza in cattle and the burden on animal disease, combined with updates from relevant projects and networks including the recently launched European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare.
arch swg
Following the successful Joint Workshop with SCAR Food Systems and Bioeconomy SWGs in January 2024, SCAR ARCH is currently finalising the workshop summary with the Refrescar support. SCAR ARCH is now focussing its attention on the achievements and opportunities of EU R&I projects undertaken in the last five years to tackle global agricultural challenges, in particular on the transformation of the food systems. The aim is for this work to feed into a future policy brief on the topic for EU policymakers.
BIOECONOMY SWG
One of the key actions of the BSWG for 2024 is the finalisation of a Position Paper with RD&I recommendations under Focus Area 3 “Unveiling the demand for bio-based products & technologies”. The group is also brainstorming on a potential joint activity with SCAR ARCH and Forest relating to the forest-based bioeconomy, including its international dimension.
FISH SWG
SCAR Fish held its 46th meeting online on 14th March to discuss developments at European level and across related initiatives, including JPI Oceans and the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare. Feedback to their report on “Fisheries dependent data as a tool for real-time advice” was also discussed. The group will hold their 47th meeting in Brussels on 5th June.
FOOD SYSTEMS SWG
The SCAR Food Systems SWG 3rd Mandate Kick-Off Meeting took place on 20th February in Italy, hosted by the University of Florence in its historical city centre headquarters. The group discussed their 3rd mandate priorities and launched the first activities. The Keynote Speaker, Professor Gianluca Brunori, presented on “Barriers to transition: facts, values and interests”.
FOREST SWG
The SCAR Forest Strategic Working Group gathered for a hybrid meeting in Brussels last December and have had three online meetings so far this year. 2024 will be a significant year for SCAR Forest and forestry-related R&I with the proposed European Partnership on Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future in development. So watch this space! You can follow developments in SCAR Forest here.
SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION CWG
Members of the CWG SAP gathered over two days (30 Nov – 1 Dec 2023) for a workshop hosted by INIA-CSIC in Madrid and entitled “Livestock farming in Europe: From regional farming systems to a common sustainable future”. 70 participants discussed four exemplary livestock farming systems with the potential to contribute to a common European vision of agriculture. The agreements and differences identified in this workshop will contribute to shaping the future of animal production in Europe.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
EUPAHW FIRST CALL LAUNCH
The European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare launched its first funding call on the 8th May with 30 funding organisations from 20 countries mobilising almost €25 million to fund transnational projects, with co-funding also being provided by the European Commission.
Pre-proposals are invited by 8th July 2024, 15:00 CEST via the submission portal addressing one of the three topics below:
- Topic 1: Novel Technologies for Prevention, Detection, Assessment, and Management of Animal Health and Welfare
- Topic 2: Fundamental Research for Animal Health and Welfare
- Topic 3: Animal Health and Welfare and Society
CALL FOR PROPOSALS 'EU MISSION: A SOIL DEAL FOR EUROPE'
The 2024 Call for Proposals under the EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe was launched on 8th May following an online Info Day on the 25th April. Applications are invited via the Funding and Tenders portal under nine topics by the submission deadline of 8th October 2024.
AGROECOLOGY PARTNERSHIP 1ST CALL - 'FOSTERING AGROECOLOGY AT FARM AND LANDSCAPE LEVELS'
The European Partnership on Agroecology launched its first call on 15th February 2024, under the theme “Fostering agroecology at farm and landscape levels”. The Agroecology partnership promotes the transition to agroecology and more resilient, productive and prosperous agricultural systems that are sensitive to place, climate, environment, ecosystems, biodiversity and people - goals to be achieved by 2050. The call for pre-proposals is now closed, and the deadline for full proposal submission is 19 September 2024, 14:00h CEST.
REFRESCAR HIGHLIGHTS
WEBINAR 'MICROBIOME DIVERSITY: EXPLORING NUANCES FROM SOIL TO GUT'
Watch the recording of the webinar on "Microbiome Diversity: Exploring Nuances From Soil to Gut" that took place on Wednesday, 5th June 15:00 CEST. This webinar was the third in the RefreSCAR “Spotlight on…” webinar series and tackled microbial diversity loss across ecosystems and its implications, emerging tools to characterise microbial diversity along with new perspectives in microbial diversity preservation.
The webinar featured three panel experts in the field: Dr. Emilia Hannula, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, Prof. Paul Cotter, Head of Department, Food Biosciences Senior and Principal Research Officer at Teagasc, and Dr. Antonio del Casale, CEO at MICROBION SRL.
SCAR-ENGAGE PROGRAMME
Are you a member of a national delegation to SCAR? Would you like to increase your country’s representation in SCAR Groups and accelerate your country’s research and innovation (R&I) agenda in alignment with European priorities? If your answer is yes, the RefreSCAR SCAR-Engage Programme will be of interest to you!
The SCAR-Engage Programme is a RefreSCAR initiative designed to support and empower new SCAR WG members and to increase country-level visibility within the SCAR WGs.
We believe in empowering new SCAR WG members, especially those from countries that are under-represented or less visible in SCAR, with knowledge, supports and connections to enable their active participation and smooth integration into WG activities. Under the programme, new WG members from up to four countries per year will be provided with tailored support and benefit from a comprehensive support system including peer-to-peer guidance, networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, country-level Individual Action Plans and financial support for attending physical SCAR WG meetings. They will also have the chance to engage in networking events with Working Groups of interest and connect with relevant stakeholders across the SCAR community. It is envisaged that the programme will run four times (four annual programmes), thereby supporting members from up to 16 countries in total.
The Call for Expressions of Interest is now open! SCAR delegations are invited to submit their applications by Monday 1st July 2024, 17:00 CEST via an online application form.
CALENDAR
| 23 May 2024 | SCAR AHW CWG | Plenary Meeting (online) |
| 27 May 2024 | SCAR Foresight Group | Brainstorming Workshop (Brussels) |
| 29 May 2024 | SCAR Forest SWG | Meeting (online) |
| 5 June 2024 | SCAR Fish SWG | Meeting (Brussels) |
| 5 June 2024 | RefreSCAR Webinar | Online |
| 11 June 2024 | SCAR Plenary | Brussels |
| 11 June 2024 | SCAR Bioeconomy SWG | Brussels |
| 18-19 June 2024 | SCAR AKIS SWG | Meeting (Bucharest) |
| September 2024 | SCAR AKIS SWG | Meeting (tbc) |
| September 2024 | SCAR Fish SWG | Meeting (tbc) |
| 11 September 2024 | SCAR-Engage Programme | Launch Meeting (online, tbc) |
| 24 September 2024 | SCAR Forest SWG | Meeting (online) |
| 26-27 September 2024 | RefreSCAR Governing Board | Meeting (Lisbon) |
| 12-13 November 2024 | European Mission Soil Week 2024 | Brussels |
| Nov-Dec | SCAR AHW CWG | Meeting (hybrid, tbc) |
| December 2024 | EU Agri-Food Days | Brussels (tbc) |
| December 2024 | SCAR AKIS SWG | Meeting (tbc) |
| December 2024 | SCAR Fish SWG | Meeting (tbc) |
| 4 December 2024 | SCAR Plenary | Budapest |
| 5 December 2024 | HU Presidency Conference | Budapest |
| 6 December 2024 | HU Presidency Field Visits | Budapest |
Supported by RefreSCAR
The European Commission is not responsible for the content of this newsletter.