2023 Application

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2023 Application

2023 FOCUS

Since its creation, the Innovation award for women farmers try to propose a specific focus for each edition. Whilst we talk about the need for a transition towards more sustainable food systems, it’s not possible to reach sustainability objectives without looking at the three dimensions: economic, environmental, and social as well as the requirement for financial and technological tools. For that reason, for the 2023 edition Copa-Cogeca wishes to showcase the innovative and novel solutions implemented by women that are supporting all the three pillars of sustainability. Whether that be on the farm, in their business decisions or to the benefit of the wider local community.

The Award shall be granted according to the following non-cumulative criteria

Examples of Innovative Solutions, considering impact on economic, social and environmental level

Innovation may include working methods, organisational and strategic approaches and new forms of technology that contribute to supporting sustainable practices. The sustainable practices should make strong synergies between the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. Economic sustainability may refer to, but not limited to financial viability; added value to business or organisation; ability to re-invest and examples of maximising performance. Environmental sustainability may refer to, but not limited efficient use of resources; practices to enhance biodiversity; reducing impact on the environment to support food security or animal health and welfare management.

Social sustainability may refer to, but not limited employment opportunities; activities or community led initiatives; processes or integration of gender equality to the business or organisation; strategies that lead to positive social change.

Innovation Transfer

Innovation must not be limited to one single farm or cooperative but should have a potential impact or effect on all holdings in the same production sector or region, or on the area’s relations with the outside world.

In this context, innovation not only refers to those aspects which affect the farm or cooperative itself, but also to the whole value chain, including machinery, the packaging of products, channels of distribution and export methods for agricultural or forestry products, as well as consumers.

The sustainability of innovation

The innovation must be economically and socially viable and whilst supporting the agriculture sector reducing its impact on the environment. It must also have a certain longevity and should stand the test of time in order to have an impact, instead of appearing and disappearing in a short space of time.

The innovation should also promote the maintenance and creation of jobs in rural areas, entrepreneurship and new business models.

New communication methods and tools

New communication methods can include tools used to improve farm or forestry education for children and adults and/or improve consumers’ knowledge of farm or forestry production methods, or of the nutritional value of agricultural products. Conveying how farmers are at the forefront of innovation and increased sustainable practices. It can also include activities and examples of knowledge transfer for the benefit of farmers and cooperatives.

Timeline

5 key dates

Start

17th November 2022

Launch

of the competition

31st March 2023

Deadline

for submissions

by July 2023

Listing

of eligible applications & Jury deliberation

21st July 2023

Communication

of the jury’s decision to the award winner

October 2023

Award ceremony

End

7TH EDITION

JUDGES

Pekka Pesonen

Secretary-General of Copa-Cogeca

Janusz Wojciechowski

European Commissioner for Agriculture

Robert Biedroń

Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

Lotta Folkesson

Chair of the Women’s Committee of Copa-Cogeca

TBC

Online Application

Filling out your application shouldn’t takes you more than 20 minutes, apply online now !

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