Knowledge Transfer

CAP Network Ireland – Transferring Innovative Agricultural Knowledge

The CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub is delivering a targeted initiative to collect and transfer impactful knowledge with Irish farmers, rural communities and other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector. At the core of this effort are three thematic pilots focused on Horticulture, Organics, and Irish European Innovation Projects (EIP-AGRI), designed to find impactful solutions to the unique challenges within these sectors. Led by ERINN Innovation, the purpose of the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote knowledge exchange across the agricultural landscape. The thematic pilots are a key part of this strategy, looking to source and transfer valuable knowledge from across Europe to those who need it most in Ireland. The Horticulture pilot is guided by the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, while the Organics pilot aligns with the National Organic Strategy 2024-2030. Utilising ERINN Innovation’s KT Methodology The Innovation Hub employs a robust, step-wise Knowledge Transfer (KT) methodology that is needs-driven and focused on creating real-world impact: Mining & Collection: The phase involved mapping the specific needs and challenges of the Irish horticulture and organic sectors and relevant past EIP-AGRI projects. The team then used this information to guide a focused search for innovative solutions and knowledge to key challenges, capturing them as individual ‘Knowledge Outputs’ (KOs). This was done with structured interviews with project owners and coordinators across Ireland and Europe. Analysis: Once collected, these KOs were analysed by experts from industry, academia, and government bodies including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This phase involved prioritising the KOs that have the highest potential for the Irish sector and mapping out the steps to impact. Transfer: The final phase in the process targets action. For each prioritised KO, the Hub will develop a bespoke transfer plan, outlining target users, key actions that need to take place, such as workshops or factsheet development, to ensure the knowledge is actively transferred and adopted by end users. Transferring Agricultural Knowledge The CAP Network Innovation Hub is currently entering the Transfer phase, developing bespoke transfer plans under each of the three Thematic pilots in Horticulture, Organics and EIP-AGRI Projects. Through the first round of this process, the Hub has successfully identified a wealth of innovative knowledge. The team has collected 29 Knowledge Outputs (KOs) for the horticulture sector, 22 for the organics sector, and 33 from the EIP-AGRI projects. Speaking about the pilots and the work of the Hub, Leo McGrane, CAP Network Innovation Hub lead and ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the CAP Network Ireland’s Knowledge Transfer Pilots, applying ERINN Innovation’s KT methodology to collect, analyse and transfer the most promising innovations from across Europe in horticulture, organics, and EIP-AGRI. It’s about making sure the best ideas don’t just stay on paper but make a real difference to Irish farmers. Our Innovation Hub is the central platform where we share the validated practices and innovations we collect directly with Irish farmers to help them build more sustainable and successful Irish farming sector.” A Call for Knowledge The success of these pilots relies on collaboration and the sharing of expertise. As the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub continues its work, with a second round of knowledge collection planned for the latter half of 2025, it extends an invitation to all stakeholders in the Irish horticulture and organic sectors, and to past Operational Group (OG) Coordinators involved in successful EIP Projects. If you are aware of any relevant innovative knowledge, practices, or tools that could benefit Irish farmers, the Innovation Hub wants to hear from you. Your contribution could help shape the future of Irish agriculture, fostering sustainable growth and building a more resilient and profitable industry for all. To share your knowledge or learn more, please visit the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub or contact members of the ERINN Innovation CAP Network Ireland team (Leo McGrane, Claire Kearney, Sarah Glascott) via the Network’s Helpdesk. Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s KT service and methodology and contact us if you would like to discuss KT opportunities with ERINN Innovation.