CORENET SLOVENIAN KNCP CONFERENCE ON COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES IN NATIONAL AGRICULTURE
Over 600 Participants Discuss the Role of Complementary Farm Activities in Local Development and Market Expansion
The “Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia” (KGZS), a COREnet Key National Contact Point from Slovenia, organised a conference on complementary activities on the farm. The event, which took place on 12th December 2024 in a hybrid format (via Zoom and live at the KGZS headquarters), addressed 18 topics and showcased 4 examples of good practice (three from Slovenia and one from Hungary).
The consultation was attended by over 600 participants: farmers, operators of complementary activities on farms, JSKS advisors, administrative unit clerks, local authorities employees, regional development agencies, local action groups, public institutions and inspection services.
The primary aim of the consultation was to inform the public about key issues related to the development of complementary activities on farms and their positive impact on local community growth.
A special session was dedicated to COREnet, where Fedele Colantuono, COREnet Project Coordinator, introduced the network. Agnes Fricz, representing the COREnet partner Trebag, shared a successful case from Hungary, the “Zala Valley Open Farm Network.”
There was significant interest in projects aimed at enriching local areas with farm products, simplifying marketing channels, and maintaining added value in local communities. In addition to the COREnet Golden Case, three other examples of best practices from Slovenia’s countryside were presented.
As Ms. Andrejka Krt., KGZS representative, stated, “The consultation further confirmed the need for closer cooperation and the systematic development of more effective advice on short food supply chains, both in terms of suitable incentives for farms and for local consumers and tourists.” She also added, “While breakthroughs into low-cost success stories are unlikely, on-farm complementary activities offer numerous opportunities to launch high-quality food, service, and tourism products, provided they have the right orientation and support.”
For COREnet, the collaboration with KGZS is a valuable opportunity to connect with diverse good practices and stakeholders from Slovenia and help co-create positive models across the EU through active participation.
Photo credits: Fedele Colantuono
