Three days of FarmBioNet consortium meeting in Florence, Italy
From productive discussions in the meeting room to hands-on learning in the Tuscan countryside, the second FarmBioNet Consortium Meeting in Florence demonstrated how it looks like when researchers, advisors, farmers, and communication experts work together around a shared goal: strengthening biodiversity-friendly farming across Europe.
Hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI) at the University of Florence, the three-day meeting gathered partners from across the consortium to review progress, exchange ideas, and plan the next steps for the project.
Day 1: Reflecting on progress and planning ahead
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from the hosting team and project coordinators, setting the stage for several days of collaboration and discussion. As FarmBioNet approaches the halfway point , the consortium took the opportunity to reflect on achievements from the first year while identifying priorities for the months ahead.
Work Package sessions covered research findings, developments within the National Networks, and progress on innovative decision-support tools designed to support biodiversity-friendly farming practices. Partners also benefited from valuable feedback from the Advisory Board, helping to refine ongoing activities and strengthen the project’s overall impact.
The first day highlighted just how much has been accomplished through cooperation across countries and disciplines, and how much potential remains for the next phase of the project.
Day 2: In the field
While presentations and discussions are essential, some of the most valuable lessons happen outdoors.
The second day took consortium members into the Tuscan landscape to visit farms where biodiversity-friendly practices are not theoretical concepts but part of everyday management. At Fattoria di Maiano, participants explored an organic olive estate where farming is closely connected with landscape preservation and sustainable land stewardship. Conversations with the farm team offered practical insights into balancing production with environmental responsibility.
The visit continued to Podere Montisi in the Organic District of Calenzano, where traditional knowledge and innovation come together. By reintroducing local crop varieties and applying organic and biodynamic practices, the farm demonstrates how protecting biodiversity can also help preserve cultural heritage and strengthen resilient farming systems.
The whole blog post about second day is written by our dear partner Simona Moosman (FiBL), here.
Day 3: Communicating Knowledge and Looking Forward
The final day returned to DAGRI for concluding Work Package updates and strategic discussions, with a particular focus on ensuring that project results reach the audiences who can benefit from them most.
Partners reviewed dissemination and communication activities, assessed progress against project targets, and explored upcoming opportunities to increase FarmBioNet’s visibility. The meeting also included the fourth Capacity Building Training session, dedicated to video creation and storytelling, equipping partners with practical skills to communicate biodiversity-friendly farming in engaging and accessible ways.
As the consortium wrapped up three intensive days in Florence, one message stood out clearly: meaningful progress depends on continuous collaboration, shared learning, and strong connections between science and practice.
With new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and fresh inspiration from the field, FarmBioNet now moves confidently into its next phase, continuing to build a growing European network that supports farmers, advisors, and researchers in advancing biodiversity-friendly agriculture together.