The European Commission is launching a call for experts for two new EIP-AGRI Focus Groups. EIP-AGRI Focus Groups are temporary groups of selected experts focusing on a specific subject, sharing knowledge and experience. Each group explores practical innovative solutions to problems or opportunities in the field, and draws on experience derived from related useful projects. Each EIP-AGRI Focus Group meets twice and produces a recommendations and outcomes report.

The Focus Groups will start working in June 2017 and are expected to present their results and recommendations within 12 months. You can find all the relevant information here and start your application here (practical experience, familiarity with the topic, motivation, qualifications, etc.). The deadline for applications is Thursday 23 March 2017 23:59 hrs CET (Brussels time).

Description of the Focus Groups

Focus Group 24: New forest practices and tools for adaptation and mitigation of climate change

First meeting: 20-21 June 2017

Which new practices and tools can improve the climate mitigation and adaptation potential of EU forests? The Focus Group will address ways to enhance mitigation and adaptation potential of EU forests, while taking into account that forests provide multiple functions and services to EU citizens. The group should also consider trade-offs between mitigation and adaptation, as sometimes reducing mitigation in the short term may be necessary to improve adaptation.

Focus Group 25: Grazing for Carbon

First meeting: 13-14 June 2017

How to increase the soil carbon content from grazing systems? This Focus Group will look into alternative grazing management systems which can improve the underlying economics and the positive environmental effects, notably soil carbon storage.

More information

Each Focus Group consists of up to 20 experts: farmers, advisers, scientists and where appropriate representatives from industry, civil society or other relevant actors. Experts will be chosen according to their qualifications, based on proven expertise to support the progress of the Focus Group. The European Commission, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development, will inform applicants whether they have been selected by 28 April 2017.

The EIP-AGRI Service Point provides travel and accommodation for Focus Group participants, see terms and conditions here. Please note that there will be no translation, it is essential that group members are able to express themselves in English. Selected experts will need to be available to participate in both meetings; the date for the first meeting is mentioned for each new Focus Group.

If you are interested in becoming an expert member in the name of Euromontana in any of these focus groups, please contact Marie Clotteau.