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CO-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
EUROPE INVESTING IN RURAL AREAS
MEASURE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
EUROPEAN MARITIME AND FISHERIES FUND
MEASURE VII.1. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Strategic Transformation in Agriculture and Rural Space
(STARS RAS
Background Document
Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in Croatia
This background document is a product of the staff of the World Bank Group. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in the background document do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank Group does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work, which is drawn from multiple external sources. Nothing herein shall constitute, or considered to be, a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank Group, all of which are specifically reserved.
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Contents
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 3
Reforming the CAP and AKIS plans ............................................................................................ 3
Strengthening of Farm Advisory Services within the AKIS .......................................................... 4
Enhancing interactive innovation ................................................................................................. 5
Supporting digital transition in agriculture .................................................................................... 6
Characteristics of AKIS in Croatia ............................................................................................... 6
Evolution of the Agriculture Advisory Services in Croatia ............................................................ 7
Croatian Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service (CAFAS) ............................................. 9
Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food........................................................................... 9
Croatian Agriculture Agency (CAA) ....................................................................................10
Croatian Center for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (CAFRA) ......................................10
Agriculture Faculty, Zagreb ................................................................................................10
Veterinary Faculty, Zagreb .................................................................................................11
Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek .....................................................................11
College of agriculture in Križevci ........................................................................................11
Croatian Agriculture Chamber ............................................................................................11
Institute for agriculture and tourism in Poreč ......................................................................11
Agriculture institute in Osijek ..............................................................................................12
Food processors and input providers .................................................................................12
Rural development network ...............................................................................................12
AKIS in the fishery sector .......................................................................................................... 12
Public Sector Stakeholders Engaged in Innovations in Fisheries sector in Croatia .............13
Comparative analysis - key elements of functional AKIS ........................................................... 14
AKIS in Ireland .......................................................................................................................... 14
AKIS in Denmark ...................................................................................................................... 16
Research and development spending ....................................................................................... 17
Croatian AKIS – how it compares to functional examples ......................................................... 17
Croatian AKIS – SWOT analysis and potential strategies ......................................................... 19
Questions for discussion of the vision and future actions .......................................................... 24
Enhancing AKIS and strengthening links with research ............................................................. 24
Strengthening of AAS within the AKIS ....................................................................................... 25
Enhancing interactive innovation ............................................................................................... 26
Supporting digital transition in sharing of knowledge and innovation in agriculture .................... 27
References ............................................................................................................................... 28
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Summary
Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS)1 is used to describe the exchange of knowledge and supporting services between diverse actors to foster learning and innovation in agriculture.
The agricultural sector in Croatia is complex, with more than 20 years of transition from a controlled, state-ran economy, to a free trade environment. It is also characterized by great agro-ecological and climatic diversity - combination of large flat areas with predominant crop production, hilly part with moderate climate, mountain climate with pastures and Adriatic part with blend of Mediterranean agriculture and fisheries. Despite the challenges, these are also conditions that give unique opportunities for development of the the agri-food sector in Croatia.
Until recently, the AKIS in Croatia was centered in the Croatian Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service (CAFAS) - a state agency, founded in 1997, partially funded from projects and EU funds. It was organized as a network of more than 100 offices around Croatia with more than 300 employees, mainly trained technical advisors for agriculture and forestry. In terms of knowledge exchange, it was complemented by the Council for Agricultural Research (VIP), which comprised representatives of agriculture agencies, faculties and research entities, to ensure connection between main stakeholders through the organization of applied research.
At the end of 2018 CAFAS ceased to exist as an independent entity, and it was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture. Council for Agricultural Research applied research (VIP) projects will be substituted by European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects. This is a significant shift from the previous structure in a context of underdeveloped AKIS. With support of rapid digital transformation in the agri-food sector, this could lead towards finding a new, optimal model that will ensure both general and specific information and advice is effectively transferred to farmers.
Reforming the CAP and AKIS plans
1. According to the recent proposal of the CAP 2021-2027, having a well-organized and functional AKIS will become an obligation for an efficient and competitive agriculture in Europe. Investment in knowledge and innovation will be of utmost importance with an additional shift towards strengthening and better functionality of farm/rural advisory services.
2. Modernization is a cross-cutting objective of the CAP, aiming at development of a smart and resilient agriculture sector. Emphasis is on innovation – the core element of the process of knowledge production. Although innovation is happening at a certain level, distribution and sharing of knowledge and information is still fragmented and not fully functional. New technologies are being adopted very slowly. Cooperation and exchange between different AKIS actors can be significantly sped up and improved. Functional AKIS is one of the main preconditions for successful development of national agri-food sectors.
3. The new CAP 2021-2027 will focus on strategic planning and results customized for each MS, rather than imposing new obligations. This strengthens long-term sustainability of the sector by bringing public support closer to real needs and real contribution to the society. Such changes take time to materialize and would require that future public support be more open in terms of setting of national priorities, but stricter in terms of unified approach towards
1 For more information on the concept: https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/sites/agri-eip/files/eip-agri_brochure_knowledge_systems_2018_en_web.pdf
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connecting funding with clear objectives. The AKIS can play an important role in both delivering on the national priorities and on linking those with EU-wide objectives.
4. In order to promote modernization of the agricultural sector, each CAP Strategic Plan will have
to deliver answers on how the activities and measures will contribute to the cross-cutting general objective: fostering and sharing of knowledge, innovation and digitalization. The operational goals of this cross-cutting objectives include: 1) enhance AKIS and strengthen links with research; 2) strengthen Farm Advisory Services within AKIS; 3) enhance interactive innovation; and, 4) support digital transition in agriculture through the sharing of knowledge, innovation and digitization.
5. This is to be achieved through the development of an AKIS plan, providing description on: 1) the organizational structure of the AKIS in each Member State; 2) how farm advisory services, together with research and CAP networks, will together within the framework of the AKIS; 3) how development of digital technologies in agriculture and rural areas will be supported and enabled to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the CAP Strategic Plan interventions. To achieve expected results, under the AKIS Plan each Member State or region will be able to decide on specific actions related to research through European Innovation Partnership (EIP) or national programs, demonstration, data exchange, training, advice, pilot projects, etc.
6. The new obligation to develop an AKIS plan with defined roles of stakeholders, expected outcomes and enabling elements, will contribute to further improvements, stronger linkages between actors and result oriented approach. This will contribute to both national and EU objectives, development of structured and more organized knowledge developing environment, with more contributing actors. The goal is to produce valuable information faster and translate it to farmers more efficiently than before.
Strengthening of Farm Advisory Services within the AKIS
7. According to the policy proposal2 on Strategic Plans, Member States should set Agriculture Advisory Services (AAS) for improving the sustainable management and overall performance of agricultural holdings and rural businesses, covering economic, environmental and social dimensions, and to identify the necessary improvements regarding all measures at farm level in the CAP Strategic Plans. To enhance the quality and effectiveness of the advice, Member States should integrate farm and rural advisors within the AKIS, to deliver up-to-date technological and scientific information, developed by research and innovation.
8. Agricultural advisory services (AAS), principal contributing element of AKIS, have regained importance globally and especially in the European context, given their influence on innovation and dissemination processes. AAS are recognized as a key connecting element between research and practice. Moreover, for the first time in EU history, AAS and other contributing actors can become a compulsory element of each MS agriculture policy planning (if the CAP reform proposal is accepted).
9. According to the new CAP proposal, the AAS shall be responsible for at least the following:
• all requirements, conditions and management commitments applying to the beneficiaries set in the CAP Strategic Plan, including requirements and standards under conditionality
2 Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) COM/2018/392 final - 2018/0216 (COD)
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and conditions for support schemes as well as information on financial instruments and business plans established under the CAP Strategic Plan;
• water protection policy;
• protection of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora;
• ambient air quality;
• plant protection products and sustainable use of pesticides;
• transmissible animal diseases;
• farm practices preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance (“A European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance”);
• risk management;
• innovation support for preparing and for implementing Operational Group projects of the EIP for agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Enhancing interactive innovation
10. In the current EU CAP, European Innovation Partnership (EIP) activities are recognized as an important mechanism for improving innovation and knowledge flows in the EU agri-food sector. In the next programing period, the EIP activities will be the core of the Interactive Innovation Model. The EIP will continue to support applied research as an answer to the real (revealed) needs of beneficiaries. Activities under the EIP will support the AKIS by: 1) linking research and farmers’ needs; 2) connecting potential innovation actors and projects; 3) supporting faster use of innovative solutions; and 4) connecting the scientific community with farming needs and practices.
11. Operational groups (OGs) are the principal constituent element of the EIP. Their purpose within the Interactive Innovation Model will be to enable cooperation of different partners with interrelated knowledge and experience, such as farmers, advisors, researchers, enterprises or non-governmental organizations, in a focused activity to achieve the project objectives.
12. Regarding the future EIP development, several recommendations are provided in a recent evaluation paper3:
• Improving multiplication to maximize effectiveness of the projects – more must be done to improve sharing and follow-up action to reach as much beneficiaries as possible;
• Simplification and improvement of administrative systems and rules at national or regional levels to ease implementation of the EIP by reducing the administrative burden both for applicants and administrators;
• Promoting the understanding of the value of the EIP to all potential stakeholders, on all levels to maximize interest between stakeholders;
• Incorporating national and regional knowledge and innovation structures into an EU wide AKIS structure;
• Enable other sources of funding – after EIP project is finished it is hard to keep already formed groups working together without additional sources of funding. Also, existing needs and interest can easily surpass available EIP funds.
3 Evaluation study of the implementation of the EIP, 2016
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Supporting digital transition in agriculture
13. The digital agenda is an integral part of the CAP effort to combine different policies and bring additional energy to already happening digital revolution in society, especially in the agri-food sector and the bio economy. Digital transition of rural areas will be supported mainly through the innovation activities.
According to the recent research conducted for the Danish Ministry of Agriculture, Danish farmers earn additional € 18 per hectare if they use precision agriculture.
If technology is used on at least 72% of the farm’s arable area, the average profit of using the technology amounts to €18/ha. For Denmark as a whole, it amounts to €34 million annually. If precision agriculture technology would be used on the total available area, the profit rises to €62/ha annually or €160 million for whole country.
14. There are 3 different areas of intervention4 in order to ensure smooth digital transformation and positive impact on the sector:
15. Additional support to the use of digital technologies by farmers and rural communities: It is expected that in the next several years, use of digital tools will continue to rise rapidly. Therefore, farm advisors must adapt and, in relatively short time, achieve sufficient level of digital competence. Because the risk of digital division between smaller farmers that do not use digital technologies and more experienced producers, there will be need for significant support of capable advisory services. Also, an important role of advisors will be to facilitate EIP and Horizon 2020 innovation projects on digital technologies which will also require adaptation. To enable overall transition, it will be important to also support development of rural internet infrastructure.
16. Developing of new digital solutions: Although there are dozens of different solutions used in farm management, feeding, soil management and other areas, there is emerging need for the use of existing applications in farming, but also for developing new ones.
17. Solutions for potential negative effects coming with digitization: It is evident that the agri-food sector is also heading towards better integration and flow of data, reduction of administrative costs that can be achieved through technology, higher level of compatibility and standardization of data. Also, there is a new role of advisors that will have to navigate the farm management and business planning using available data, acquired by digital tools or from existent data bases. At the same time, greater emphasis will have to be given on the privacy, security, vulnerability of beneficiaries and systems.
Characteristics of AKIS in Croatia
18. Croatian AKIS is moderately diverse, with a strong influence of publicly funded entities and, until recently, a strong emphasis on the public agency Croatian Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service (CAFAS). Other significant contributions come from the food industry and input providers, who increasingly invest in research and innovation and often include highly specialized advice to their cooperants or customers. Although there are numerous public and private entities well experienced in education, research or advisory activities in Croatia, their
4 Commission staff working document impact assessment Swd/2018/301 final - 2018/0216 (cod)
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cooperation is very limited or non-existent, with the Croatian AKIS concentrated in the public sector. The least developed part of the AKIS is the one related to the NGOs and farmers association, which has historic underpinning in the Balkan region.
19. Applied research is carried out across different institutions, but presently there is no system of transforming the acquired knowledge to information useful to farmers or other stakeholders in the system. Although this was envisaged during the establishment of Agriculture Research Council (VIP) in late 90’, the system of transfer of research results, in form of the technical packages to the farm advisors, was never established.
20. Many of food processors and input providers are engaged in trials or research projects, mainly oriented to their production needs or marketing purposes. Private advisors are offering their services for customers of input providers or to farmers that are part of organized value chains. However, there is no data on these activities in Croatia.
Evolution of the Agriculture Advisory Services in Croatia
21. Advisory activities in Croatia started in more organized form after the WWII. At that time, two principal branches of assistance to farmers were established: Veterinary stations and Agricultural stations5. These were fully financed by the State. Besides having a general supportive role, these were the main points of public information related to agriculture, with the goal to provide both education and support production.
22. At the beginning of 1960’s, these entities became partially autonomous and self-financed by farmers. Until this day it is common for Croatian farmers to pay for veterinary services. Agriculture stations were either closed or merged with state agricultural entities (agro-combinates) whose purpose was to organize production, processing and sales and to serve as a hub for cooperation with private farmers. During 70’ and 80’ veterinary services developed significantly, while specialized agriculture knowledge remained closed in agro-combinats, with limited influence on some of the cooperants – family farms.
23. In the 1990’s, after the proclamation of independence of Croatia, among the first agriculture policy decisions was the establishment of the Agriculture Advisory Service (AAS). It was organized as a service within the Agriculture Center of Croatia, with regional branches and a central office in Zagreb. AAS was financed 55% from the State and the rest from producers, with 2 principal activities: - Regional branches – organized to provide coordination of local municipality offices and
to provide specialized information for farmers; - Local municipality offices – established to provide expert advice on production, plant
protection, agro-environment issues, legal questions, financial issues etc.
24. In 1992, 120 advisors were employed in 51 local AAS offices. During that time, 20 years before the term AKIS was brought forward, there was clear understanding of necessity to form capable, autonomous advisory services that communicate, learn and work with other stakeholders using all available means as phone, radio, TV, newspapers etc. Based on existing analysis of the AAS system at that time, some key messages are highlighted: 1) need to be organized as an autonomous entity, with hierarchical structure; 2) regional branches organized according to regional production needs and climatic constraints, including
5 Žimbrek, Grgić, Franić: “Agriculture advisory service in Republic of Croatia”, Agriculture bulletin 3/1993
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adequately skilled experts and laboratories; 3) municipality offices serving as a first point of information for various questions; 4) connection of AAS with other stakeholders in the sector (called agrocomplex, a synonym to today’s AKIS), including Ministry of Agriculture, education, research, veterinary services, associations.
25. Starting in 1996, with financing from the World Bank, the AAS implemented a project6 for strengthening agricultural services and building a comprehensive knowledge system in Croatian agriculture. During 5 years of the project implementation, basic framework of the Croatian agricultural knowledge and innovation system was established, with the leading role of AAS as autonomous public institution. The AAS itself was supported with different equipment, computers, mobile phones, advisory tools, furniture, education, study visits and workshops.
26. An important step during that period was the establishment of a system of research and knowledge exchange, led by the Agriculture Research Council (VIP) - a research-driven body that manages the funds for applied research. The researches were expected to respond directly to problems of agricultural producers, to create new production technologies and to apply technologies adapted to different production conditions, especially the conditions of family farms. The VIP was established to serve as the main cohesion factor between different AKIS entities and to provide current knowledge and information for the farm advisors. A system for transfer of knowledge to farm advisors was established in the form of regular workshops and development of specific technical packages for advisors, upon completion of research.
27. During the 2002 – 2012 period, the main role of the Agriculture Research Council to serve as a knowledge hub and generate current knowledge for AAS advisors, was practically forgotten and abandoned. Research continued, but the methodology for decision making on the research topics did not ensure strong farmers participation. Also, acquired knowledge was not transferred to the other AKIS entities, especially farm advisors. The AAS continued its function to serve the Ministry of Agriculture needs to deliver basic information to farmers, to help with statistics and application for subsidies. Specialized advice was also stated as a part of daily work of advisors, but this kind of advice was given only occasionally, within other administrative activities7. Specialized advice was also driven by personal preferences of advisors. In 2010 the AAS was, by government decision, moved to be a part of newly formed Agriculture Chamber. In 2012, after numerous issues and challenges that occurred after repositioning of the AAS, it was again settled as a public institution.
28. In 2012, according to the new law of Advisory service, the AAS was again established as an independent entity – Croatian Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service (CAFAS). In 2013, after another change of the Law, the CAFAS entered in its most dynamic period from its founding. During that time CAFAS changed internal structure that became simpler, with less hierarchical layers and less management. It joined international associations of advisory services and started to cooperate in international projects. Agreement of cooperation was signed with agronomy faculties to enable continuous education of advisors and joint efforts in
6 The main objectives of the project were: 1) Development of an Agricultural Knowledge System through private and public advisory services, including farmers in provision of services; 2) Development of the applied research and ensuring the participation of farmers in decision making related to the topics of research; 3) Development of private and public veterinary and epidemiology service; 4) Development of pasture potentials in Croatia; 5) Establishment of regulatory framework for seed and seedlings science and trade; 6) Support for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for establishment of data base as precondition for decision making in agri-food policy. 7 Conclusions based on comprehensive survey and work analysis conducted in 2014.
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research. Also, new IT system was developed with the purpose of management and analysis. First, co-financing of advisory services from diverse sources was pursued. Diversification of financing came from the provision of certain services (short term education of farmers), from using the measure for advisory services in the rural development program, and from project activities (H2020 projects). The main goal was to achieve greater financial stability, independence and sustainability of operations, while upgrading the quality of services to farmers. Examples from other EU countries were followed and the whole process was closely aligned with ongoing EU AKIS development and recommendations for advisory services.
Croatian Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Service (CAFAS)
29. Throughout the last two decades, CAFAS had an influential position in Croatian AKIS. It was a specialized public institution, responsible for advisory activities in agriculture, rural development and fisheries, including dissemination of general information to farmers, organization of vocational training, technical advising on farms, pest management forecasting and training, advising of forest owners, education and control in forestry, advising in fisheries and rural development program.
30. The central office of the Service is based in Zagreb where most of the management and supporting staff operates. CAFAS has more than 300 employees, operating in 21 counties with 100 local offices. County headquarters and local offices comprise experts from various fields of agriculture - production, forestry, fisheries and rural development – depending on local needs. From its inception, until 2015, it was 100% financed by the State. In 2015 the Service started to diversify its funding and to finance itself from several new sources: EU funds (RD Program, Measure 02: Advisory services), service fees for specific education of farmers (as sustainable use of pesticides) and projects (H2020 projects). This process of diversification of the financial sources opened new possibilities in terms of employment, capacity building and equipping of employees.
31. In Autumn of 2018, CAFAS was abolished as a specialized public institution and its employees and assets were merged with the Ministry of Agriculture, with the process of merging starting on Jan 1, 2019.
Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food
32. The agency was established recently, on January 1, 2019, by merging the Croatian Food Agency (in Croatian HAH) with the former Croatian Center for Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs (CAFRA) and forming the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food. It encompasses activities that former agencies had in food safety, implementation of breeding programs in livestock production, livestock registers management, quality control of livestock products, promotion of livestock products produced on Croatian farms, plant protection activities as detection of harmful organisms and proposing plant protection measures.
33. The Agency is responsible for the process of approval of wine labels with a controlled origin wine, decisions on the marketing of wines and other grape and wine products, recording of the fruit producers, collecting grape samples and analyzing samples for inspection, conducting testing of new plant varieties for placing varieties on the market, carrying out certification of seeds and planting material, supervision of the work of authorized laboratories, introducing new varieties of fruit trees, preservation of plant genetic resources of fruit trees and reproductive material, research in the field of fruit growing, providing professional scientific support to the Ministry of Agriculture and other activities in the corresponsive area.
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Croatian Agriculture Agency (CAA)
34. The Croatian Agricultural Agency (CAA) is a public institution established in 1994 to focus on
the improvement of the livestock sector in Croatia. At that time, it was called the Croatian
Livestock Center. The main activities of the CAA were the implementation of breeding
programs in livestock production, the management of livestock/farm registers, quality control
of livestock products, promotion of Croatian livestock products, provision of assistance to
agricultural producers when applying for grants, and participation in on-site direct payments
controls. Since January 1, 2019, CAA merged into CAAF. There are 150 employees spread
across several offices.
35. Although not a typical advisory entity, the CAA was involved in disseminating information to
farmers, especially related to breeds’ development and breeding results. Also, the CAA was
involved in organization of numerous shows and exhibitions where farmers could compete or
learn about specific types of production and breeds. Except of occasional exchange of milk
producing and breeding data and organization of agricultural shows, CAA didn’t have
significant cooperation with CAFAS in the past.
Croatian Center for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (CAFRA)
36. As a public institution, CAFRA merged various legal entities in the agri-food sector, including:
• The Institute for Plant Protection - involved in systematic monitoring of herbal status,
detection of harmful organisms and proposing plant protection measures for both
quarantine and economically important harmful herbicides;
• The Viticulture and Wine Management Department - conducts the process of drafting wine
labels with a controlled origin wine, makes decisions on the marketing of berries, wines
and other grape and wine products, records the fruit producers, collects grape samples
and analyzes samples for inspection.
• The Department of Seed and Seedlings - conducts the testing of new plant varieties for
placing varieties on the market, carry out certification of seeds and planting material,
supervision of authorized laboratories, samplers and seeders.
• Department of Fruits and Vegetables - promotes fruit growing in Croatia through
introducing new varieties and substrates of fruit trees, preservation of plant genetic
resources of fruit trees, reproductive material, research in the field of fruit growing and
clonal selection, professional scientific support to the Ministry of Agriculture.
37. The Centre had occasional cooperation with CAFAS advisors, mainly in implementation of
research projects and cooperation during establishment of the network of agriculture weather
stations (for plant protection forecasts) across Croatia.
Agriculture Faculty, Zagreb
38. The Agronomy Faculty of the University of Zagreb is the largest research and education entity in the agriculture sector in Croatia. It has around 2,500 students and 188 employees – professors, scientific assistances and other staff. There are 28 departments – dedicated to different areas of agricultural production. It serves as a training and research facility for crop production, cattle production and vineyards.
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39. In 2016 Faculty and CAFAS contractually agreed to provide continuous education of farm advisors; however, contracted activities have not yet started. The faculty is also involved in applied research through VIP projects. However, the VIP projects will be gradually substituted by EU funded EIP projects.
Veterinary Faculty, Zagreb
40. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zagreb organizes and conducts university studies and scientific work in the fields of biomedicine and health, veterinary medicine and other related fields as well as lifelong education programs of veterinary medicine. It is one of the oldest faculties in Croatia and with its long tradition and excellence criteria, it is indivisible from the development of the veterinary profession in Croatia.
41. Regarding AKIS functions, the faculty was involved in the VIP applied research program. There is no available information on whether the research findings were distributed towards the other AKIS actors or beneficiaries, in a systematic way.
Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek
42. Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences in the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek conducts scientific research primarily in the field of biotechnical science. Given its position in eastern Slavonia, it is well known for research dedicated to soil and crop production.
College of agriculture in Križevci
43. The Royal College of Economics and Forestry was established in 1860 and it was a place where first scientific institutes in the field of agriculture began to work, first agricultural textbooks were published and the first science magazine in the field of agriculture was launched. So, it is often considered as a cradle of agricultural education, profession and science in Croatia. The College of Agriculture in Križevci was officially established in 1902 and became the first higher education agricultural institution in Croatia. Today the College is the public scientific and educational entity with expert (specialist) programs. It also offers a part-time study and lifelong learning modules. The college is particularly well known for its practical education and facilities for cattle and plant production, stables and green houses where students can easily participate in applied research and practice production.
Croatian Agriculture Chamber
44. The Croatian Agriculture Chamber was founded in 2009 with the aim to promote, protect and advocate the interests of farmers in state and local administration, to monitor the situation in agriculture and rural areas, to cooperate with educational, scientific, professional and research institutions on the development of agricultural production and markets. Organizing education, vocational training, seminars, courses and workshops in the field of agriculture are also part of its activities. With the new law of 2018, the Chamber’s role was broadened with the requirement for all registered farmers to be members of the Chamber, with membership fee subtracted from farm subsidies.
Institute for agriculture and tourism in Poreč
45. The Institute provides education and applied research in agriculture. With the establishment of the Agricultural Science Center (1984) at the Center for Primary Education in Poreč, the Institute began research in agriculture and tourism. Today, the Institute’s mission is to learn
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and transfer knowledge through scientific research and professional activities in agriculture and tourism, in order to achieve sustainable development of rural areas.
Agriculture institute in Osijek
46. The Agricultural Institute in Osijek is a public research institute specializing in research in plant production (especially corn, barley and industrial plant genetics). In cooperation with high schools, it participates in the process of higher education. The Institute aims to develop excellence in applied research to improve production of food and bio-energy. It employs 133 permanent employees and around 100 seasonal workers.
Food processors and input providers
47. Probably the most active and most effective part of the Croatian AKIS are experts from companies in food processing or sales of various agricultural inputs - feed, machinery, equipment, seeds and plant protection substances.
48. The largest processors in Croatia traditionally cooperate with farmers in the production of different commodities. Most Croatian milk factories, for example, purchase milk from local farmers. Meat processors, despite the heavy imports, also buys raw materials from local farmers, similarly as vegetable and fruit processors. In most of these cases, processors offer teams of experts to assist farmers and advise them on production.
49. Additionally, many domestic and foreign companies that are selling animal feed, seed products, plant protection products and equipment have experts who provide farm advisory services, depending on the area of the company expertise. As in the case of food processors, the consulting services of these companies are often at a very high level and are oriented towards achieving high returns, offering the latest technology and innovations that come directly from the best world research facilities.
Rural development network
50. The network is the platform that brings together different stakeholders who work or are positioned in rural areas. It performs certain activities to increase participation of stakeholders in the implementation of the Rural Development Program, to improve the implementation of the Program, promote the Program and promote innovation in agriculture and rural development.
AKIS in the fishery sector
51. The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is a part of the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027. The proposed budget combines new instruments with modernized programs to deliver efficiently on the European Union's priorities and to rise to new challenges. The new EMFF 2021-2027 will continue to support the European fisheries sector towards more sustainable fishing practices, with particular focus on supporting small-scale fishermen. It will also help unleash the growth potential of a sustainable blue economy towards a more prosperous future for coastal communities. For the first time, it will contribute to strengthening international ocean governance for safer, cleaner, more secure, and sustainably managed seas and oceans. Finally, the Commission is reinforcing the environmental impact of the Fund with a focus on protecting marine ecosystems and an expected contribution of 30% of its
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budget to climate change mitigation and adaptation, in line with the commitments agreed under the Paris Agreement.
52. The innovation framework of the fisheries sector is defined in an Ordinance8. Eligible activities are: 1) New or improved methods and techniques, including methods and techniques to improve the selectivity of fishing gear, to reduce unwanted catches and / or discards, and to reduce the negative impact on the environment; 2) New or significantly improved equipment; 3) New or significantly improved products; 4) New or improved management and organization systems; 5)Increase production value while maintaining or reducing the amount of production.
53. Innovations in the aquaculture sector in Croatia constitute the introduction or development of technical, scientific or organizational knowledge in aquaculture farms, the development or introduction of new aquaculture species with good market potential, new or significantly improved aquaculture products, new or improved processes and aquaculture management and organizational systems. The beneficiary of the support may be: a) Licensee/License holder for aquaculture; or b) A scientific body (a higher education institution, a public institute of science, a scientific institute or other legal person performing scientific activity).
54. Innovation include technologies that mitigate the occurrence of animal diseases or parasites, or that reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics to treat animals; technologies that improve production efficiencies at the hatchery or farm levels while mitigating environmental impact; advances in offshore or land-based recirculation technology; novel feed ingredients; reductions in carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency or regeneration; and social programs designed to improve living and working conditions at the farm or processing levels (https://www.aquaculturealliance.org).
Public Sector Stakeholders Engaged in Innovations in Fisheries sector in Croatia
55. According to the Croatian scientific categorization, fisheries (aquaculture and fishery) belongs
to the biotechnical group of sciences, agriculture field, fisheries branch. In a more general sense, the research and education in fisheries also includes fields related to veterinary medicine, natural sciences, food and water technology, environment protection, etc.
56. Scientific research in fisheries is performed by institutions registered for performing the scientific activity (Table 1 and Table 2). Education is performed at Universities (Table 1), while staff from the research institutes (Table 2) is also involved in some study programs. In general, six Universities, located in all parts of Croatia, at their 10 Faculties or Departments perform education related to undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Many of these courses, modules or studies include only the basic knowledge and skills.
57. The main characteristic of these scientific and educational institutions is that many of them perform mainly fundamental research due to lack of experimental facilities. Furthermore, the connection with the industry is limited, i.e. a limited number of applied, developmental and technological research is carried out directly to address producers’ or fisheries problems (NSPA 2014-2020). Although the number of applied projects increased within last decade, they are still fragmented and localized, and information flow between these institution and other stakeholders is limited. Many projects and study programs are performed as parts of
8 The Ordinance establishes the conditions, criteria and methods of granting support under the European Union Priority "Promoting Environmentally Sustainable, Resourceful, Innovative, Competitive and Knowledge-based Fisheries”.
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local strategies, with organized coordination and strategic approach at the national level missing.
58. To ensure linkages between scientific/research institutions (universities and research institutes) with the industry sector, the establishment of fisheries (aquaculture and fishery) technology and business innovation center can be an important step towards experimental research, with demonstration facilities for conducting research and practical training/consulting of workers and students in the fisheries sector (Figure 1). The task of such an institution would be the testing of existing technologies, the development of innovative technologies, encouraging the application of new technologies and their transfer to interested entrepreneurs, practical training of students and personnel who would become the bearers of the development of Croatian aquaculture industry.
Figure 1. Closed cycle science-technology-industry where the technology center is the link between industry and science (Jug-Dujaković and Gavrilović, 2014)
59. Such technological institution can be the professional, educational and technological support of the industry in the development of new technologies and promotion of entrepreneurship. It can also enable practical technical and technological education for workers, students and young researchers. This would secure further strengthening of human and technological competences that will ensure an increase in the competitiveness of national aquaculture and fishery industry.
Comparative analysis - key elements of functional AKIS
60. AKIS examples from Ireland and Denmark are considered for the comparative analysis. These countries were selected based on mechanisms of successfully built knowledge and innovation environments, and in particular because both countries: i) are geographically small, similar to Croatia, and agriculture plays an important role; ii) have centralized AKIS, based on a dominant actor, like Croatia; iii) gradually built their capacity and became world leaders in knowledge and innovation in agriculture and example of successful AKIS.
AKIS in Ireland
61. Ireland’s AKIS is globally known for its functionality and efficiency. It is based on the substantial position and influence of one, partially public-funded entity – Teagasc. It unites research, training and advice, and it operates in partnership with all other sectors of the agriculture and food industry and with rural development agencies. Teagasc employs approximately 1,200 staff at 51 locations throughout Ireland. The staff includes 216 research
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scientists, 51 specialist advisers, 116 research technicians and technologists, 171 support staff. Also, there are over 250 advisors based at 51 county and local offices. The framework of Ireland’s AKIS is presented in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Structure of Ireland’s AKIS
62. Among the key elements of success of Ireland’ AKIS are: a. Developed and well supported innovation - Ireland has committed itself to develop
a science- and knowledge-based economy. In the context of agriculture, food and rural development, this is more specifically articulated as a ‘bio-based economy’;
b. Excellent knowledge flow – organized and functional knowledge flow between actors as faculties, institutes, industry and Teagasc advisors;
c. Advisors participate in research and education – Teagasc is the biggest national research and education center in Ireland which enables direct flow of knowledge and new information to advisors. Most advisors directly participate in research.
d. Strong interaction with the industry – Teagasc cooperates with the food industry through the Joint Industry Program. Relevance and quality of research and programs is achieved through common agreed program objectives and a feedback system, through industry staff and farmer representatives.
e. Strong involvement of farmers - The Irish Co-operative Organization Society (ICOS) promotes knowledge development and exchange through ICOS Skilled education programs. ICOS is also represented on the board of Teagasc.
f. Diversified and sustainable funding -Teagasc has an annual operating budget of approximately €160 million. Around 75% of Teagasc's yearly budget comes from
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national and EU funding, and the rest comes from projects and services. Some 40% of the budget is oriented to research, with the remainder split half and half between advisory and education services.
g. Strong international activities – Teagasc offers its expertise on numerous development projects worldwide. This serve as an important contributing element to overall experience but also funding of the organization.
h. AKIS based on strong leading actor – Teagasc.
AKIS in Denmark
63. Contrary to Ireland’s AKIS structure, the most important actors of the Denmark AKIS are farmers organizations. Strongest and most important advisory entity is Danish Agricultural Advisory Service (DAAS). Similarly, as Teagasc in Ireland, the DAAS dominates the market for advisory services. Its important part is the SEGES, former Knowledge Centre for Agriculture, that acts as the national research and knowledge facilitator. SEGES organizes more than 1000 trials per year and participates on numerous national and international projects. The framework of Denmark’s AKIS is presented in Figure 3.
64. Among the key elements of success of Denmark’s AKIS are: a. Developed and well supported innovation - There is intensive research and
innovation in both the public and the private sector, and a strong tradition for public–private partnerships;
b. Excellent knowledge flow – organized and functional knowledge flow between actors as faculties, institutes, industry and DAAS;
c. Strong involvement of farmers – the central part of the Danish AKIS - Danish knowledge center for agriculture is farmer-based organization with long tradition;
d. Strong and well-equipped farm advisory services - Danish knowledge center for agriculture and local advisory centers employ around 3,000 well trained and well-equipped advisors. Compared to 35,000 farmers this represents a good ratio of 1 advisor per 12 farmers.
e. Advisors participates in research and education – main research entity SEGES operates within DAAS, which enables close connection of advisors with research;
f. Diversified and sustainable funding – funding of the knowledge center for agriculture and the local advisory centers is diversified – projects, sales of services, tax levies which enables independency, sustainability and freedom of operations;
g. AKIS based on strong, leading actor - Danish Agricultural Advisory Service (DAAS) is dominating actor in Denmark’s AKIS;
h. Strong international activities – SEGES offers its expertise on numerous development projects worldwide;
i. Existence of other sources of highly specialized advice – strong network of private advisors.
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Figure 3. Structure of Denmark’s AKIS
Research and development spending
65. In last ten years R&D intensity rose in 21 Member States, with the highest increases in Austria (from 2.42% in 2007 to 3.16% in 2017) and Belgium (from 1.84% in 2007 to 2.58% in 2017). In 2017 the highest R&D intensities were recorded in Sweden (3.33%) and Austria (3.16%)9. In Denmark it was 3.06% and Germany 3.02%. Finland, Belgium and France registered R&D expenditure between 2.0% and 3.0% of GDP. Croatia is in a group with the lowest R&D expenditure with only 0.86%, which is 2.5 times less than the EU average.
66. Regarding the R&D incentives, 21 out of 28 EU member states, and other major economies (Brazil, the China, the Russian Federation and South Africa) give specific tax treatment to R&D spending. Tax incentives today represent a major tool for promoting expenditure on R&D in business. In 2015 the total value of R&D tax relief across OECD countries reached 45 billion USD10. There are no data on incentives in Croatia after 2015.
Croatian AKIS – how it compares to functional examples
67. The AKIS for Ireland and Denmark are compared to that of Croatia using the PRO AKIS reports11 framework of the key elements of a successful AKIS. Information for Croatia was derived from various interviews and analysis of available information.
9 Eurostat 5/2019-10 January 2019 10 OECD - Estimates of government tax relief for business R&D, report on tax expenditures, May 2018 11 http://www.proakisinventory.eu/
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KEY ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS IN DENMARK AND IRELAND AKIS
EXISTENCE OF SUCCESS ELEMENTS IN CROATIA
DESCRIPTION
Developed and well supported innovation
Croatia is amongst the countries with only modest support for innovation. EIP activities started recently but development is very slow.
Excellent knowledge flow Knowledge flow between Croatian AKIS actors is very
limited
Advisors participates in research and education
Level of such participation is very modest.
Strong interaction of key actors with the industry
Croatian key actors have very limited interaction with the industry, mostly assisting with simple field trials or organization of the events.
Strong involvement of farmers Farmers are mostly not involved in the AKIS. The public sector plays a crucial role, mostly behaving top-down.
Diversified and sustainable funding
Public funding, without contribution from farmers, is still predominant in the area of general information and advice.
Strong and well-equipped farm advisory services
CAFAS and now MoA advisors are example of relatively well-equipped service, with all the necessary tools and equipment, transportation etc.
Strong international reputation Croatian AKIS actors as industry, input providers or CAFAS are example of relatively strong and well-equipped advisory entities in the region.
AKIS based on key, leading actor
Since CAFAS was merged with MoA, it is still uncertain will the MoA sustain that role, or it will be some other actor in the field.
Existence of other sources of quality advice (private advisors)
Except some input providers advisors and RD program advisors, private advisors are almost non-existent
68. For Croatian AKIS to be functional and fulfill its role of supporting the agriculture sector and life in rural areas, the following elements should be considered: 1) more investment and incentives for research and innovation; 2) well organized system of knowledge flow; 3) well equipped advisory services with specialized advisors that also participate in research; 4) greater involvement of farmers at all levels of the AKIS – from decision-making on research to the structure and activities of the AKIS; 5) diversification of advisory work to more actors and sources of funding; 6) well defined cooperation structure among AKIS actors, including with food industry.
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Croatian AKIS – SWOT analysis and potential strategies
STRENGHTS
• Diverse multi-actor AKIS
• Developed and experienced public-sector entities
• Developed data collection in agriculture
• Access to national and EU funds
• Experienced experts
WEAKNESSES
• No substantial research and innovation in agri-food sector
• Lack of cooperation and exchange between AKIS actors
• No permanent education of the public farm and forestry advisors
• Collected agriculture data is not easily visible and accessible - in one place
• Most of the farmers are not in line with modern developments in agriculture
• No support for research and innovation
• Weak perception of agriculture among the young
OPPORTUNITIES
• New demands for information and knowledge in agriculture production
• Improvement of production by new research and innovation
• Using of digital technology in production, research and knowledge dissemination
• EU funds
• Tourism demands
• Positive image of clean soil, water and air and excellent production conditions
- SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
- CENTRAL AGRICULTURE
KNOWLEDGE HUB - CENTRAL AGRICULTURE
INFORMATION SYSTEM
- IMPROVEMENT OF CAPACITY OF ADVISORS
- SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
- KNOWLEDGE PACKAGES -
MECHANISM OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AFTER RESEARCH
- AKIS PLAN AS A PROJECT
- CENTRAL AGRICULTURE
INFORMATION SYSTEM
- SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL RESEARCH PROGRAMS
THREATS
• Growing EU competition and import of food
• Abandoning of rural areas – lack of labor force
• Capable farm advisors are leaving public sector – no motivation
• New and younger farmers are fulfilling their needs alone – learning from available media
- IMPROVE PRODUCTION IN
AGRI-FOOD SECTOR - IMPROVE WORKING
CONDITIONS AND CAPACITY OF FARM ADVISORS
- BUILD KNOWLEDGE HUB
- SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH
AND INNOVATION - AKIS PLAN AS A PROJECT - FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPROVEMENT OF FARM ADVISORY SERVICES
- SUPPORT DIGITAL
TRANSITION
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Table 1. List of Academic Institutions registered for both Educational and Scientific Activities
University Faculty/Department Undergraduate studies Graduate studies Postgraduate studies
Un
ive
rsit
y o
f Z
ag
reb
Faculty of Agriculture:
Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology Other departments related to studies: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Organic Agriculture, renovable energies, etc.
(www.agr.hr)
Animal sciences (Courses: Fisheries Biodiversity of the Adriatic and the Freshwaters Sports and Recreational Fishing)
Fisheries and Wild life Management
(courses: Aquaculture; Biodiversity of the Adriatic and the Freshwaters; Farming of Invertebrates; Limnology and Oceanology; Ichtiology; Fisheries Food and Feeding in Aquaculture) Renewable energy from aquaculture and fishery (according to new program that starts in 2019)
Doctoral studies of Agricultural Sciences
Postgraduate Expert Studies of Fisheries
Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology
Department of Food Engineering
(www.pbf.hr)
Food Technology
Biotechnology
Food Engineering
Food Safety Management
Biotechnology and Bioprocess
Engineering, Food Technology and Nutrition
Faculty of Science
Department of Biology, Division of Zoology
(http://www.pmf.unizg.hr/biol)
Biology
Environmental Sciences
Ecology and Nature Preservation
(courses: Aquaculture; Aquaculture and Fishery; Freshwater Ichthyology and Fisheries)
*Postgraduate University Studies in Oceanology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Animal Production and Biotechnology Division; Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees
Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Division
(www.vef.hr)
Integrated undergraduate/graduate study
(Courses: Biology and Pathology of Aquatic Organisms; Fishery; Selected Chapters in Aquaculture)
(courses related to food safety)
Postgraduate doctoral study in Veterinary Sciences
(courses: Hydrobiology and hydrochemistry in aquaculture; Anatomy, histology, physiology and embryology of fish;
Fundamentals of fish diseases epizootiology, prophylaxis and treatment; Infectious diseases of fish; Parasitic, non-infectious and environmental diseases of fish
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University Josip Juraj Strossmayer of Osijek
Faculty of Agriculture
Department of Game Management, Beekeeping and Fisheries
Faculty of Food Technology
Sub-department of Meat and Fish Technology
(http://www.unios.hr/)
Zootechnology (course: Fisheries I; Fisheries and hunting)
(courses: Technology of meat and fish; Chemistry and technology of meat and fish; other courses related to food safety)
Zootechnology (course: Fisheries) Agricultural sciences (Course: Culture od Ciprinides)
(courses: Achievements in meat and fish technology)
University of Dubrovnik
Department of Aquaculture
www.unidu.hr
**Study of Aquaculture **Study of Mariculture ***Postgraduate University Studies in Applied Marine Science
University of Split
Department of Marine Studies
(www.unist.hr)
Study of Marine Biology and Ecology
Study of Marine Fishery
Study of Marine Biology and Ecology
Study of Marine Fishery
***Postgraduate University Studies in Applied Marine Science
University of Zadar
Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture
(www.unizd.hr)
Applied Ecology in Agronomy
(Courses: Fisheries; Aquaculture; Marine ecology; Farm Management and Agricultural Products Marketing)
Sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems
(courses: Oceanology and Limnology; Fishing and Environment; Local Aquatic Products; Aquaculture and fishing Management; Aquaculture Nutrition; Diseases and Health Protection of Aquatic Organisms; Aquaculture and Environment; Farming technologies of Aquatic Animals
Juraj Dobrila University of Pula
Department of Health and Natural Sciences
(www.unipu.hr)
****Marine Science Study
(Mariculture; Safety and Quality of Aquatic Products)
*Study program is organized in cooperation with Ruđer Bošković Institute Zagreb (including their division - Center for Marine Research Rovinj), Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries from Split (IOF) and Institute for Marine and Coastal Research (IMCR) of the University of Dubrovnik ** Study program is performed in cooperation with Institute for Marine and Coastal Research (IMCR) of the University of Dubrovnik ***Study program is organized in collaboration with two Universities, University of Split and University of Dubrovnik, and two scientific institutions involved in marine research, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries from Split (IOF) and Institute for Marine and Coastal Research (IMCR) of the University of Dubrovnik
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Table 2. List of Institutions registered for Scientific Activities
Institute Department Description of the activities
Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries (IOR) Split (www.izor.hr)
Laboratories: Physical Oceanography Laboratory Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea Laboratory of Plankton and Shellfish toxicity Laboratory of Marine Microbiology Laboratory for Benthos Laboratory of Ichtyology and Coastal Fishery Laboratory of Fisheries Science and Management of Pelagic and Demersal Resources Laboratory for Aquaculture
The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries is a scientific institution established for the investigation of the sea. The scientific activity conducted encompasses virtually all aspects concerned with sea exploration: physical, chemical, geological, biological and fisheries. In its seventy years of existence, the scientists at the Institute have published over 1700 scientific and professional papers in both domestic and foreign publications.
The papers have included expedition reports, hydrographic studies, dynamic properties of the marine eco-system, description of flora and fauna, ecological research (primary and secondary production), fisheries research, advancements in fishing and artificial breeding (in relation to the Adriatic and Mediterranean, including coastal and open seas), as well as man’s impact on the sea.
Ruđer Bošković Institute Zagreb (www.irb.hr)
Division for Marine and Environmental Research: - Laboratory for Aquaculture and Pathology
of Aquatic Organisms - Coastal Research Station Martinska
Laboratory was founded in 1980. g. The activity is directed to scientific research in the fields of aquaculture and diseases of aquatic organisms.
Division of Materials Chemistry: - Laboratory for biotechnology in
aquaculture
Laboratory for aquaculture biotechnology (LAB) conducts research on interaction of aquaculture effects and environment from chemical and biological standpoints, as well as on physiological and molecular properties of aquatic organisms (fish, shellfish, crustaceans, algae) with a view to enhance the farming technology, introduce novel species in aquaculture and investigate ecological approaches to aquaculture biotechnology.
Center for Marine Research, Rovinj The Center for Marine Research (CMR) of the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb is an interdisciplinary center, whose activities are focused upon basic and applied oceanographic research, including the following areas:
Processes and dynamics within and between trophic levels (primary and secondary production, cycle of basic and biogenic elements);
Investigation of water mass dynamics;
Flora, fauna and animal communities (taxonomy, ecology and organism communities in natural and polluted areas);
Ecological, physiological and genetic research on marine organisms and the impacts of pollution; monitoring of pollution and marine water quality; investigation of eutrophication.
Croatian Veterinary Institute Zagreb (Zagreb, Križevci,
Department for Pathological Morphology, Laboratory for fish pathology Other departments related to food safety
The Croatian Veterinary Institute is primarily engaged in the diagnostics of infectious and parasitic animal diseases, analysis of food of animal origin and animal feed, control of veterinary medicinal products and scientific research. Laboratory for Fish Pathology
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Rijeka, Split, Vinkovci) (http://www.veinst.hr/)
performs diagnostics of diseases of fish and shellfish from fish farms and open waters by use of autopsy, parasitological tests, bacteriological tests, virologic tests and histological pathological tests and counselling of the therapy, containment and prevention of disease spreading and related research.
Institute for Marine and Coastal Research of the University of Dubrovnik (http://www.imp-du.com/)
The activities of the Institute are basic and concern the research of natural features in the Adriatic Sea and its coastline, particularly research into the structure and processes of ecosystems. The Institute also develops other activities, such as: monitoring living marine and land resources, monitoring sea quality, experimental rearing of plant and animal species with the aim of acquiring fundamental knowledge and studying the various stages of natural processes, maintenance and popularization of aquarium, maintenance and popularization of the Botanical Garden on the Lokrum island, formation of scientific and expert collections, as well as the organization of courses and lectures.
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Questions for discussion of the vision and future actions
Vision:
Croatia – regional leader in innovation, digital transformation and knowledge exchange in the agri-food sector
Croatian AKIS – potential relations and processes
Enhancing AKIS and strengthening links with research
• Can AKIS Plan be set as a national project? – AKIS Plan, a compulsory part of the CAP Strategic Plan, could be described and set on a project management basis, with clear objectives, result framework, obligations of all involved, described specific roles and activities, expected outcomes and related EU and national funding opportunities – covering all the entities as universities, private researchers, advisors etc. AKIS Plan cannot be a list of desirable goals, but a mechanism for connecting the achievement of specific objectives in the agri-food sector with funding.
• How to improve knowledge transfer? - Knowledge packages - for results obtained by EIP, Horizon2020 or other publicly funded or partially funded research or projects, specific mechanism could be set – for transformation of the research and project results into packages of information that can be used in education of advisors or beneficiaries directly.
• Can knowledge be collected and made available? - Agriculture knowledge hub – all research results from EIP, H2020 or other EU or national projects could be easily searchable and available in a central knowledge hub, open to all interested visitors. Agriculture knowledge hub could be one of the parts of the Central Agriculture Information System (explained later) that should encompass all existing searchable databases.
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• Can applied research in fisheries be improved with the establishment of a technology and business innovation center for fisheries? – This is in order to ensure the linkage between scientific/research institutions (universities and research institutes) with the industry.
Strengthening of AAS within the AKIS
• Should CAFAS advisors in MoA develop as capable “general advisors” – it will be hard to expect that CAFAS advisors within MoA will develop to highly specialized advisors because of the nature of the new environment and the actual needs of the ministry. After merging with the MoA most of CAFAS employees in local offices will probably continue with almost all the activities they were involved before. That means covering of all-important public functions - administrative support for farmers, cross-compliance advising, providing general information about public programs and measures, providing help with subsidies and small grants, providing help to local authorities in organization of agricultural events, collecting statistical information etc. Even in such direction, all advisors should attend regular trainings and be well equipped, with sufficient funds for field visits and other activities. General advisory work is important for Croatia and capacity development, together with working conditions are key. With such approach the CAFAS should preserve its role and position in AKIS.
• Strengthening of highly specialized advisory activities – even with best efforts to further develop former CAFAS advisors within MoA, there may be an emerging need for highly specialized advice, especially on new technologies and approaches. Also, with almost non-existing independent private advisory sector there is need for more choices and at least exercise of the partial payment for high-quality advice. Therefore, from the best CAFAS experts and eventual new employees, group of 20-30 specialists and subspecialists could be formed within newly formed Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (CAAF) for providing specialized, customized, semi—commercial advice for strategically important productions. Some parameters could be established such as:
- no more than 5 highly specialized advisors per agricultural production area should be engaged;
- at least 10 percent of their time should be spent on education and training – preferably in EU countries;
- they should not be engaged in any of administrative activities of the MoA; - they should participate in at least one research project (EIP, H2020) at a time; - they should participate in international AKIS and farm advisory networks and
conferences; - their salaries should be partially financed by farmers – to enable result-oriented
approach. Also, this can prevent unfair advantage upon private advisors.
• Strengthening the development of independent private advisory sector? – according to the adopted Law on Agriculture Chamber (Official Gazette 15/15) Croatia is open for the process of certification of private advisors. It is hard to envisage how Croatian farmers will accept private advisors. Also, some of them will probably have to work closely with existing input providers or agro-processors. However, private advisors are a welcome change to the sector. Announced process of certification and obtaining of a permit should be as simple as possible to enable greater involvement of interested experts and bigger choice for the farmers. Also, certification process should be oriented towards examination of advisory skills - not actual technical knowledge. Recommended certification option for advisory skills is already established on EU level under CECRA initiative (https://www.cecra.net) and should be used as a model.
Mentioned system of synergistic 3 elements: general, public advisory service, specialized semi-commercial advisory service and private advisory service should preserve security of
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fulfilling public needs and minimum quality, with additional freedom of choice for beneficiaries and openness through private actors.
Enhancing interactive innovation
• How EIP and formation of OGs can be supported? – EIP and the formation of Operative Groups around specific issue/challenge, will be the core part of an Interactive innovation model, which enables the functioning of the AKIS itself. It is important to maintain formation of OGs without unnecessary administrative burden and too long process of approval. Since EIP will replace VIP applied research program, it is important to keep the system alive with frequent calls for applications, to enable fast and efficient reaction to the farmer’s needs. The decision-making process, related to the topics of research and evaluation of the proposals must be transparent, based on good practices from countries with bigger experience and with highest possible involvement of end users – farmers.
• Can OGs be supported for continuation after the project completion? – according to the conditions, same OGs cannot be financed twice after the completion of the project. Any kind of cooperation, if successful, should be rewarded and supported to continue. Therefore, it is recommended to establish a mechanism that will enable continuation of work of functional and successful OGs – if they contribute to overall CAP strategy and AKIS objectives. Such support should be enabled by special national fund – similar to the former VIP projects.
• Can additional research funds be enabled for schools and colleges? – there is space for additional involvement of entities that typically do not participate in EIP process but can contribute to overall change of environment and innovation. Also, simple innovation activities in schools could significantly strengthen the overall innovation climate in the future.
• Incentives for research and innovation? – researchers and innovators in the public sector or companies could be promoted and supported. Instead of salary compensation for obtained scientific degrees (as it is now) employees with scientific degree or without could be additionally financially supported – only if they participate in research and innovation. It should be advisable to avoid situation where tax payers pay just for having advanced diploma, without any measurable contribution to the society.
• Stimulation of research and innovation on national level? – research and innovation should be stimulated by different simulative taxation measures and subsidies – as it is in most EU countries.
FARMERS
GENERAL ADVISORS
MoA
PRIVATE ADVISORS
FINANCED BY FARMERS
SPECIALISTS FROM CAAF
CO-FINANCED BY FARMERS
FREE
SERVICES
PRIVATE
NEEDS
PUBLIC
NEEDS
PAID
SERVICES
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Supporting digital transition in sharing of knowledge and innovation in agriculture
• Formation of Central Agriculture Information System – all existing databases from agri-food sector (land, farm register, subsidies, register of animals, organic production, beekeeper registry etc) could be merged into one comprehensive IT system which should externally be presented as user friendly web site and mobile app.
- data should be searchable and open for further analysis, and presented at state, county or municipality level;
- no individual, private data should be displayed through the system; - Agriculture Knowledge Hub should can be a substantial part of the same web
environment, to enable clients to access all the necessary information at one place.
• Next-geneneration connectivity with “e-farm” smart farming card? – In some EU countries farmers already use special cards that collect data of their transactions – not in order to control them but in order to have, on a national or regional level, data on different important economic flows or strategically important topics. Unified data and identification card that can be used to automatically record financial transactions as purchase of different inputs and sales. Such precise collecting of key financial information, together with subsidies, should enable all taxpayers and stakeholders in agri-food sector to be aware of crucial agricultural trends. Also, each farmer could use it (privately only) in comparison of their results and in precise advising on farm management. All aggregated data should be part of Central Agriculture Information System, with no access to individual information.
- in transition period of 2-3 years farmers could be supported by certain incentives to use “e-farm” card as discount on loans, purchases, tax benefits, etc.
- each farmer participating in “e-card” network would be able to use “My account” on PC or mobile app and compare results with averages in similar farms, best 10% of other participants in the network or similar comparisons
- each farmer will have accurate information on average prices of inputs and sales on national, each county and municipality level
- each participant would have precise data on her/his holding and could decide to share such information with authorized farm advisor in case of farm management advising
- decision-makers will have exact information on financial flows, use of pesticides and fertilizers on state, county or municipality level
- small farmers and big, industrial entities should be free to decide on participation in the system
• How should advisory work be best digitized? - cost of an IT platforms, knowledge reservoirs, tools and equipment used in advisory work should be additionally supported with public funds.
• What additional incentives for smart farming can be provided? - purchase of precise agriculture tools, instruments, equipment and software can be supported.
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References
Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) COM/2018/392 final - 2018/0216 (COD)
Commission staff working document impact assessment Swd/2018/301 final - 2018/0216 (cod)
Evaluation study of the implementation of the EIP, 2016
The EU funded project PRO AKIS inventory of the AKIS organizations, institutions and their linkages in the 27 EU countries.
Žimbrek, Grgić, Franić: “Agriculture advisory service in Republic of Croatia”, Agriculture bulletin 3/1993
Jug-Dujaković, J., Gavrilović, A. (2014). THE ROLE OF A TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS-INNOVATION CENTER IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNIZATION OF AQUACULTURE. Proceedings of the University of Dubrovnik. Vrtiprah, V. (ed), Sveučilište u Dubrovniku, 55-82.
Gavrilovic, A., Jug-Dujakovic, J. (2018). DIFFERENT CONCEPTS OF SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS. Proceedings of the VIII International conference Water and Fish, Belgrade, June 13-15 2018, 10-13.
Official Gazette, 83/2018a. Ordinance on the conditions, criteria and methods of granting support under the measure I.1. “Innovation”
Official Gazette, 83/2018b. Ordinance on the conditions, criteria and methods of granting support under the measure II.1. “Innovation”
