MAPA seeks agrifoodtech advisors for the EU
Description
Application deadline: 19 July: The Ministry of Agriculture would like to encourage Spanish consultants to take part in the EU CAP Network's Innovation Focus Groups initiative (Euro CAP Network). Specifically, until 19 July , the CAP Network's innovation and knowledge exchange support mechanism (in Spain through the so-called AKIS Coordination Body, promoted by MAPA) is looking for expert coordinators for the CAP Network's debate groups and for a series of workshops and seminars planned for 2025. In addition, a call for applications to participate in these same Focus Groups will soon be issued, but not as a coordinator, but as an expert.
Discussion groups on innovation and exchange of agri-food knowledge
EU CAP Network Focus Groups are temporary groups of selected experts who focus on a specific topic and share knowledge and experiences.
The EU CAP Network Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Support Facility | EIP-AGRI (EIP-AGRI Support Facility) is seeking expert coordinators for EU CAP Network discussion groups. The activities of the expert coordinators cover a wide range of topics related to agricultural productivity and sustainability and rural areas in the EU. In particular, the topics planned for activities in 2025 include three new discussion groups:
- Protein 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 elected 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 – valorisation of by-products', 80-100 participants, to be held between January and March 2025.
- Seminar on 'Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Forestry', 150-200 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, taking place between April and June 2025.
Tasks of the experts who will coordinate the groups and events
Coordinating experts must have a very good EU-level knowledge of the topic for which they are applying. They are recruited by the EIP-AGRI support mechanism (now part of RedPAC) 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-experts. 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 asked to draft the final report within the agreed deadline.
Application
All applicants will be required to 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 that have been fully completed and submitted by the deadline of 19 July 2024, 23:59 Brussels time, will be reviewed and assessed, based on the criteria listed in the call.
Important
Please note that experts will need to apply separately for each specific topic. Those who applied for the call for experts published in 2022 or 2023 will need to apply again to ensure that their CV is taken into account. Applications will only be considered for EU RedPAC 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:
- EU-level knowledge of the subject for which they are applying.
- Writing texts in English for a professional, non-specialized audience.
- Excellent teamwork skills will be required, as experts will be selected to cooperate with the permanent staff of the EIP-AGRI Support Centre and with representatives of the European Commission.
- Very good command of English, which is the working language for event management.
- Ability to prepare a programme for events that allow participants to effectively share their knowledge, such as EU CAP Network workshops and seminars and discussion groups .
- Experience working with experts from different fields, such as farmers, foresters, consultants, agribusinesses, public administration officials and researchers.
- Be able to reflect a variety of viewpoints in a discussion paper and/or concise final report.
- Be able to submit a final report on time.
Remuneration
Selected experts will be remunerated by service contracts, for workshops and seminars. Focus Group remuneration will be made in 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 experts in the context of the mission will be covered by the EIP-AGRI Support Fund.
AKIS coordinating body in Spain
The AKIS Coordinating Body in Spain establishes its structure and functions in Royal Decree 116/2024, of January 30. This coordinating 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 competent Public Administrations in the matter, both regional and central, but also the agri-food sector in its broadest version (value chain, consumer, service companies, official associations, advisory entities, technological platforms, etc.). The composition of the Coordinating Body is, therefore, plural.