Advisory Support for Climate-smart Farming

Climate Farm Demo analysed advisory services and upskilling as supportive rewarding mechanisms that help farmers access knowledge, assess climate-related risks and adopt suitable climate-smart practices. Unlike direct financial incentives, these mechanisms provide practical knowledge, technical assistance and skills that support informed farm-management decisions.

Advisors can help farmers identify appropriate practices, develop farm-specific action plans and understand the requirements of financial rewarding mechanisms, including subsidies and carbon markets. Training, peer-to-peer learning and demonstration events also provide opportunities to exchange practical experience and learn from other farmers.

One example examined in the Climate Farm Demo analysis is OrganicAdviceNetwork, a European project that strengthens organic advisors’ technical and interpersonal skills through training, farm visits and knowledge exchange. It illustrates how investing in advisors’ expertise and networks can strengthen the support available to farmers.

However, access to information alone does not guarantee adoption. Financial constraints, limited infrastructure, insufficient advisory capacity and difficulties accessing digital services may prevent farmers from implementing recommended practices.

Farmers should seek advisory support that combines technical knowledge with an understanding of their specific farming conditions and financial resources. Advisors should assess implementation barriers, connect farmers with relevant training and funding opportunities, and use practical demonstrations to support informed decisions.