Objective:

OH-FINE aims to provide European farmers and small-scale agricultural businesses with knowledge and tools for competitive, sustainable, and future-oriented organic farming. The network strengthens farmers' capacity, responds to consumer needs, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices that are in line with evolving trends in the European food market.

Approach:

The project is building a network that gives farmers access to reliable and independent knowledge for the transition to organic farming. Regional knowledge hubs are being set up in five partner countries (Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Bulgaria). In addition, a digital European decision support platform is being developed. Through workshops, training courses, exchange visits, and communication materials (such as videos, fact sheets, and policy briefs), OH-FINE encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration between farmers, researchers, advisors, and policymakers.

Focus sectors:

Cereals, oilseeds, protein crops, and livestock farming.

Contribution from Flanders:

The Flemish partners (ILVO-Plant, Inagro, and Hooibeekhoeve) contribute through experiments on the application of microbial inoculants. ILVO also supports the development of the European knowledge exchange platform, the establishment of regional knowledge hubs in the respective countries, and the organization of three international forums in Spain, Poland, and Belgium.