June 26, 2023

Slovakia AKIS | Updates on the different AKIS

AKIS Overview

The AKIS in Slovakia consists of diverse actors and organizations involved in the process of knowledge and innovation sharing in the sector of agriculture and rural development. The AKIS represents a fragmented system with an existing structure. Components of the structure lack the interconnection, synergies and coordination.

Figure 1 – Structure of the AKIS in Slovakia, source: i2connect report

The new CAP Strategic Plan foresees a new AKIS structure, which aims to achieve an efficient and coordinated interconnection of the AKIS components. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic (MOARD) plays the role of the managing authority in the AKIS system and implements the CAP Strategic Plan. MOARD oversees compliance with the principles of the Strategic Plan, guarantees support for education and advisory service. According to the Strategic Plan, MOARD, together with the new Competence Centre (Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Institute), will establish the AKIS Coordinating body.

Figure 2 – The new AKIS structure, source: CAP Strategic Plan

The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Institute as departmental educational establishment of MOARD provides continuing vocational education and training for workers in the agricultural sector, elaborates departmental concepts and plans of continuing education in specific education programs and modules, carries out educational projects at national and international level. Provides professional training and certification of vocational skills of agricultural advisors, issues certificates of vocational training, manages the Central Registry of Agricultural Advisors of the Slovak Republic for Agriculture and Forestry, develops and carries on an information system for advisory services.

Key stakeholders:

• Public sector,
• Researchers/Research organizations,
• Chambers and associations,
• Universities,
• Advisors,
• NGOs,
• Private sector

AKIS Coordination Bodies

In order to ensure the link between the actors involved in the AKIS, MOARD will establish and chair the AKIS Steering Committee.

Members of the Committee:

• Representatives of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Institute (as a
  secretary of the Committee),
• The research sector (higher education, universities, research institutes),educational institutions,
• Relevant state and public administration bodies,
• Representatives of professional organizations, EIP Operational Groups and
  representatives of the EIP network,
• Representatives of the non-profit sector,
• Advisors,
• Farmers/organizations representing farmers (chambers, associations, etc.)

CAP Strategic Plan Priorities

The main challenge of Slovak agriculture is to ensure healthy and quality food. The CAP Strategic Plan puts emphasis on improving animal welfare and health and on a sustainable competitiveness and resilience of farms. Slovakia will invest in irrigation and water retention measures to adapt agriculture to climate change. The CAP Strategic Plan will support the growth of organic farming and reducing the risk from pesticide use. An important aspect of the CAP Strategic Plan is to improve cooperation between farmers and foresters with experts from research institutions and universities. Slovakia’s strategy is aimed at ensuring a fairer income for agricultural producers with special attention to small and young farmers. At the same time, the Plan also focuses on improving the protection of natural resources and the climate. It contributes substantially to improving the vitality and quality of life in rural areas through investments, knowledge transfer and innovation.

Find the full AKIS country report here.