MAPA is seeking agrifoodtech advisors for the EU.

Application deadline: July 19 : The Ministry of Agriculture encourages Spanish advisors to participate in the EU CAP Network's Innovation Focus Groups (EuroCAP Network). Specifically, the CAP Network's innovation support and knowledge-sharing mechanism (in Spain through the AKIS Coordination Body, promoted by MAPA) is seeking expert coordinators for the CAP Network's discussion groups and for a series of workshops and seminars planned for 2025 until July 19. A call for applications to participate in these same Focus Groups will also be published shortly, but not as a coordinator, but as an expert.

Discussion groups on innovation and agri-food knowledge exchange

The EU CAP Network's focus groups are temporary groups of selected experts who focus on a specific topic and share knowledge and experiences.

The EU CAP Network | EIP-AGRI Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Support Facility (EIP-AGRI Support Facility) is seeking expert coordinators for the EU CAP Network's focus groups. The expert coordinators' activities cover a wide range of topics related to agricultural productivity and sustainability, and rural areas in the EU. Specifically, the planned topics for activities in 2025 include three new focus groups:

• Protein crop production under climate change conditions.
• Local genetic resources of perennial plants in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Alternative solutions for the differentiation of livestock products.

The deadline for submitting applications to be selected as an Expert Coordinator is 19 July 2024 at 23:59 Brussels time.

Networking events (workshops, seminars)

Other events and activities scheduled for 2025 include:

• Workshop on 'Circular Bioeconomy – By-product Recovery', 80-100 participants, to be held between January and March 2025.
• Seminar on 'Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Forestry', with 150 to 200 participants, to be held between January and March 2025.
• Workshop on 'Logistics Innovation and the Position of Farmers in a Supply Chain', 80-100 participants, to be held between April and June 2025.
• Seminar on 'Demonstration Farms', 150-200 participants, to be held between April and June 2025.

Tasks of the experts who will coordinate the groups and events

Coordinating experts must have a strong EU-level understanding of the topic they are applying for. They are recruited by the EIP-AGRI support mechanism (now part of the CAPNet) and will be asked to draft papers in English on their areas of expertise. The text must be easy to read and clear for non-expert professionals. They must also be able to communicate and interact clearly in English. They will work with experts from different fields and contribute to the design of interactive meetings. They will also be required to draft the final report within the agreed deadline.

Application

All applicants must complete the application form , providing their contact details, areas of expertise, and motivation, and illustrating their experience in the respective topics with appropriate references. All application forms fully completed and submitted by the deadline of 19 July 2024, at 23:59 Brussels time, will be reviewed and assessed according to the criteria set out in the call.

Important

Please note that experts must apply separately for each specific topic. Those who applied to the call for experts published in 2022 or 2023 must reapply to ensure their CV is considered. Applications will only be considered for EU PAC Network focus groups and events taking place between July 2024 and July 2025.

Selection criteria

Applications for coordinating experts will be evaluated according to the following selection criteria:

1. EU-level knowledge of the subject matter for which they are applying.
2. Writing texts in English for a professional, non-specialist audience.
3. Excellent teamwork skills will be required, as experts will be selected to collaborate with the permanent staff of the EIP-AGRI Support Centre and representatives of the European Commission.
4. Very good command of English, which is the working language for event management.
5. Ability to prepare a program for events that allow participants to effectively share their knowledge, such as EU CAP Network workshops and seminars and discussion groups .
6. Experience working with experts from a variety of fields, including farmers, foresters, consultants, agribusinesses, government officials, and researchers.
7. Be able to reflect a variety of viewpoints in a discussion paper and/or a concise final report.
8. Be able to submit a final report on time.

Remuneration

The selected experts will be compensated through a service contract for workshops and seminars. The Focus Groups will be compensated through two service contracts linked to each Focus Group meeting. The amount will be specified in the contract and will depend on the event. Travel and accommodation expenses incurred by the experts in the context of the mission will be covered by the EIP-AGRI Support Fund.

AKIS coordinating body in Spain

The AKIS Coordination Body in Spain establishes its structure and functions in Royal Decree 116/2024, of January 30. This coordination body is co-chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, in order to stimulate the maximum possible coordination and synergy between agricultural policy and science, technology and innovation policy, so that scientific research is put at the service of sectoral needs .

It is a multi-level body with broad representation that includes not only the relevant public administrations, both regional and central, but also the broader agri-food sector (value chain, consumer, service companies, official associations, advisory bodies, technology platforms, etc.). The Coordinating Body is therefore diverse.

FULL TEXT OF THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | SUBMIT APPLICATION ONLINE