April 1, 2026

AKIS in action: Can AKIS interventions help farmers improve their income through direct marketing?

Networking event on March 18, 2026 – Online

As part of ongoing efforts in modernAKIS to interconnect AKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems) actors across Europe, this event highlighted how AKIS can actively support the EU’s goal of expanding organic farming through innovative approaches to empower farmers to begin and successfully maintain sustainable organic farming.

Justyna Fila, Head of the Department of Systems and Technology in Agriculture at the CDR Branch Office Radom, presented on how practical training provided by agricultural advisory centres support small-scale farmers in developing short food supply chains and engaging in non‑industrial food production and processing. Poland’s agricultural advisory system combines public and private actors, with public agricultural advisory centres (VAACs) in each district in Poland, playing the dominant role and ensuring nationwide access for farmers. The agricultural advisory centres train advisors, who then support farmers with up‑to‑date knowledge. A key initiative is the Practical Training Center in Radom, created to help small family farms develop safe, legal, small‑scale processing that adds value and supports local markets. The centre offers mixed theoretical and hands‑on training in modules such as dairy, meat, cereals, and fruit and vegetable processing. Since 2010, around 30,000 participants were trained, including farmers, advisors, and entrepreneurs. Additional activities include producing educational materials, cooperating with researchers, and promoting direct producer–consumer links aligned with the Farm‑to‑Fork strategy.

Bogdan Alecu, Director within the Management Authority at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Romania, presented on Local Gastronomic Points in Romania, exploring their origins, evolution, and their economic and social significance. Local Gastronomic Points (LGPs) in Romania are small public eating establishments in rural households where traditional dishes are prepared from local ingredients and served directly to visitors. Although legally defined only recently, this practice has existed informally for decades, especially in remote mountain areas and the Danube Delta, where tourists sought home‑cooked meals. A legal framework was created by the National Agency of Mountain Areas, despite initial challenges with sanitary‑veterinary authorities due to traditional facilities. Development is supported through LEADER Local Action Groups, linking gastronomy with rural tourism, cultural heritage, and digital tools. LGPs diversify rural income, promote local products, preserve traditions, and strengthen community identity. Training provided by the National Agency of Mountain Areas helps households obtain LGP approval, while projects like QR4ALL connect LGPs along tourist routes.

Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist at Teagasc in Ireland, presented on how AKIS can support farmers in boosting income through direct marketing and diversification strategies. Farm diversification and renewable energy are central to strengthening farmers’ income, resilience, and sustainability in Ireland. AKIS functions as a collaborative network linking advisors, researchers, educators, policymakers, private actors, and communities to share knowledge and co‑develop practical solutions. Farmers face major challenges, including low bargaining power, rising input costs, fragmentation, climate impacts, and sustainability demands, which require innovative responses. Direct marketing helps farmers retain more value through farmers’ markets, local food networks, cooperatives, online platforms, and even vending machines. Diversification is supported through Teagasc’s Farm Business Options Programme, Collaborative Farming Programme, and peer‑to‑peer learning. Renewable energy initiatives, such as solar installations and community energy projects, further enhance viability. The Burren Ecotourism Network demonstrates how AKIS fosters place‑based diversification, stronger communities, and sustainable rural economies.

Here are a few key takeaways from the final part of the discussion:
Practical, hands‑on training helps farmers adopt small‑scale processing and comply with legal, hygiene, and safety standards.

Missed the event? Watch the presentations below: