The RETOUCH NEXUS project recently celebrated a significant milestone with the successful hosting of its second training session organized by its partner, the Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA).
The workshop featured expert presentations centered on water retention on farms, addressing a critical aspect of sustainable agricultural practices. The session from 13:00 to 14:00 was particularly aligned with Work Package 2 of the RETOUCH NEXUS project, which is dedicated to developing multi-actor engagement mechanisms for effective water governance. This session provided a platform for meaningful discussions about best practices and innovative strategies for water management in agricultural settings.
Insights from the Recent Agricultural Policy Workshop
The workshop occurred shortly after another significant event on October 10, 2023, which focused on preparing a new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and adjusting the Strategic Plan for CAP implementation. This earlier workshop was organized by SUA in collaboration with the Slovak Agricultural and Food Chamber (SPPK), the Agricultural Chamber of Slovakia, and the Association of Young Farmers of Slovakia.
As highlighted by SUA’s Rector, Klaudia Halászová, the academic environment serves as a neutral ground for discussing the sector’s needs without political biases. This sentiment echoed during the RETOUCH NEXUS workshop, where the focus on collaborative dialogue was paramount.
Broadening Inclusive Stakeholder Involvement and Engagement
This workshop saw a remarkable turnout of 150 participants, doubling the number from the previous event. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, NGOs, environmental groups, researchers, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Environment.
Participants expressed keen interest in future engagement activities, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the field. Farmers, in particular, showed a strong desire for future policies addressing water management challenges. However, the workshop also revealed the ongoing difficulty in convening key policymakers alongside various stakeholder groups during engagement activities, underscoring the need for effective mechanisms to foster collaboration.
Notably, 67 out of the 157 participants were women, representing 44% of the total attendance. This strong female representation reflects a commitment to inclusivity within the RETOUCH NEXUS project and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in discussions around water governance and agricultural practices.
Future of Agricultural Policy
The discussions during the workshop also highlighted the broader context of agricultural policy in Slovakia, particularly the need for active engagement in shaping the new CAP. Andrej Gajdoš, Chairman of the SPPK, pointed out concerns regarding current CAP conditions, such as land fallowing requirements, and emphasized the importance of adapting policies to better serve farmers’ needs.
As noted by Helena Lettrichová from the Permanent Representation of Slovakia to the EU, the proposal for the new CAP is expected to be published between June and September 2025, with implementation potentially starting in January 2027.
This timeline underscores the urgency for stakeholders to collaborate and influence the direction of future agricultural policies.
Looking Ahead
The next training activity is scheduled for November 7, 2024, promising further opportunities for stakeholder engagement and capacity building within the context of water governance. The success of the second workshop not only underscores the growing interest in water management among various stakeholders but also highlights the RETOUCH NEXUS project’s role in facilitating essential dialogues for sustainable practices in agriculture.
