The fourth Slovak RAIN workshop highlights key challenges and opportunities for agroforestry innovation
The 4th RAIN workshop in Slovakia took place during the 26th February 2025, at the National Forest Centre in Zvolen. The event brought together 23 stakeholders to discuss the development of agroforestry and the progress of the AF4EU project. Held in an open and collaborative atmosphere, the event offered valuable insights into both current limitations and future prospects for agroforestry innovation in the region.
The day began with an introduction session that effectively set the tone for the workshop. Participants were welcomed and informed about the objectives and scope of the AF4EU project.
The second session focused on the status of Operational Groups (OGs) in Slovakia. Discussions emphasized the need for streamlining processes and securing pre-payments to unlock new funding opportunities under the 2023–2027 CAP programming period. Despite the hurdles, the session revealed strong interest within the professional community in the potential of OGs to drive innovation and bridge research with practice in agriculture and forestry.
The third session explored the Knowledge Cloud (KC) and the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), emphasizing the value of advisory services that balance technical and soft skills. Stakeholders expressed a clear preference for tailored advisory services that are responsive to regional needs and practical challenges. However, they also identified several gaps in the current system, including insufficient technical knowledge among advisors, inadequate capacity, and uncertainty around certification and accreditation. These findings indicate a broader need for more structured training and quality assurance in agroforestry advisory services.
During the interactive coffee networking session, participants were divided into four groups and rotated through five thematic poster stations. The posters covered key agroforestry topics including farm household characteristics, land use, input costs, livestock, and water resources. Most posters received unanimous agreement, though constructive feedback was shared. Concerns were raised about monoculture systems, the lack of infrastructure for young farmers, missing cost calculations for crop protection, predator-related livestock losses, and outdated or insufficient water infrastructure.
In the final session, participants engaged with the Agroforestry Innovation Business Decision Support System (DSS) through a structured analysis of its business model. A major insight emerged around the «Customer Segment» block, highlighting the price sensitivity of Slovak consumers, which may limit the market for higher-priced agroforestry products. Agroforestry’s environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and soil health, were noted as key long-term value drivers for both farmers and consumers.
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action to reduce administrative barriers, improve technical and advisory capacity, and foster a supportive policy environment. The 4th Slovak RAIN workshop underscored both the challenges and the resilience of stakeholders committed to advancing agroforestry as a viable, innovative path toward sustainable agriculture.
