EcoFlourish Strategic Workshop

On 7 May 2026, the ECOFLOURISH project organised a strategic workshop at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy in Lithuania under the theme “Sustainable Bioeconomy Solutions in Horticulture: Cooperation Between Science, Policy and Practice.” The workshop brought together project partners, policymakers, researchers, farmers, horticulture practitioners, business representatives and members of local communities to discuss the future of sustainable berry production.

The event focused on three key areas of the ECOFLOURISH project: the application of digital technologies in berry farms, biodiversity conservation and restoration, and the development of organic berry production. Following the presentation of the ECOFLOURISH project by project coordinator Dr Audrone Ispiryan, participants took part in panel discussions representing policy, science and community perspectives.

A particularly valuable part of the workshop was the active involvement of the large number of policymakers, representatives of public institutions, local communities, farmers and other stakeholders who attended the event. Participants shared numerous practical insights, discussed the actual needs of farmers and communities, and reflected on the barriers that may limit the uptake of sustainable and digital solutions in berry production. The discussions also helped to identify where stronger policy support, better access to knowledge, suitable technologies and closer cooperation between science, public authorities and practitioners are most needed.

A central part of the workshop was dedicated to interactive co-creation sessions based on the Living Lab approach. Participants worked in groups to identify practical challenges, expectations and needs of Living Lab stakeholders, while consortium partners discussed data requirements and the scientific design of future project activities. The sessions generated a wide range of observations and recommendations concerning the practical implementation of innovations under real farming conditions.

The information, opinions and stakeholder input collected during the workshop will now be systematically analysed by the ECOFLOURISH team. The results will be used to further develop Living Lab activities and to prepare evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at supporting sustainable, biodiversity-friendly and digitally enabled berry production. Particular attention will be given to the needs identified by farmers, communities, researchers and policy representatives during the discussions.

The workshop concluded with visits to the university laboratories and experimental station, providing further opportunities for scientific discussion, knowledge exchange and identification of future cooperation opportunities.

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