Laurus Network at the EU CAP Network Seminar in Dublin
On March 19 and 20, Laurus network was present at the EU CAP Network seminar Innovative tools for advisors held in Dublin.
This event — although not forest-specific — was highly relevant for Laurus Network – by SMURF, as forestry advisors and Forest Owners Organisations are explicitly included in the target group and operate within the same AKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems).
The main takeaway: while discussions often focused on agriculture, the insights are highly applicable to those of us working in forestry advisory. 🪵
There was also a wealth of useful content on digital tools, peer-to-peer learning among advisors, integrating advisors’ perspectives into projects, knowledge hubs, generational renewal, Operational Groups, Europe Horizon Projects, Focus Groups, and much more.
Important messages:
• The growing role of advisors as innovation brokers is key — especially as forestry faces increasing pressure to adapt to climate change, biodiversity goals, and new market demands (e.g. carbon).
• Digital and AI-based tools presented at the seminar show strong potential for forestry, particularly in forest monitoring, risk assessment, and decision support.
• Strengthening advisory networks across Europe is essential. Forestry advisors are often fewer and more dispersed, so EU-level exchange can significantly accelerate learning and impact. Initiatives like FORADVISE, and Laurus Network – by SMURF play a key role in connecting actors and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, tools, and best practices.
• Bridging the gap between research and practice remains a priority — ensuring that innovation reaches forest owners and managers on the ground. Resources such as hashtag#EUFarmBook and SMURF – The forest owners’ project already offer valuable forestry-related results.
• And last but not least, capitalise on available results and build on existing knowledge — making better use of past projects, tested tools, and shared experiences to accelerate innovation in forestry advisory. Advisors can also benefit from registering in the AKIS network to access new skills and tools.
👌 👌 Overall, the seminar highlighted that improving how 🙋♀️ we advise is just as important as what ✍ we advise. There is much to learn from agriculture that can be applied to forestry. Strengthening skills, tools, and collaboration among peers will be critical to support profitable, resilient and future forest management.
Thank you very much to the EU CAP Network team for having Laurus Network – by SMURF participate in such an enlightening and inspiring event!
Elena Moreno Amat, manager of Laurus network, joined experts from across Europe to explore innovative tools.
More information on Linkedin profile of EU CAP Network.
