Contact/s:
Sladjana Blazevic
sladjana.blazevic@biosense.rs
Challenges in Organising a Network of Pilot Demo Farmers Across 26 Countries: Lessons from the Climate Farm Demo Project
Europe
26 countries, different pedo-climatic zones
1. Network coordination
2. Farmer engagement
3. Peer-to-peer learning
Thematic Areas
Production System/s
Summary for Practicioners on the Main Finding(s)/Innovative solution(s)
Establishing a large network of Pilot Demo Farmers (PDFs) across 26 European countries presents organisational and practical challenges. Farmers operate in diverse climatic zones, agricultural systems, languages, cultures and institutional contexts, making it difficult to ensure a common understanding of Climate Smart Farming (CSF) while maintaining local relevance. Differences in farm size, production systems, advisory structures and demonstration experience also affect participation.
Climate Farm Demo engaged approximately 1,500 Pilot Demo Farmers willing to conduct carbon audits, implement Adaptation and Mitigation Plans (AMPs) drafted with Climate Farm Advisors (CFAs), and demonstrate climate-smart farming solutions. The objective was not only to recruit demonstration farms but also to build a community where farmers, supported by advisors and national coordinators, could exchange practical knowledge, engage in peer-to-peer learning and organise demonstration events.
The project showed that coordinating almost 1,500 PDFs across 26 countries requires clear and structured management, including an intermediary body, the Network Management Unit (NMU). The NMU facilitates two-way communication between the management structure and field operators, supporting project implementation on farms.
Several key lessons emerged. Committed local advisory organisations and farm advisors were essential for identifying motivated PDFs and maintaining participation. Regular meetings, shared guidance and digital collaboration platforms strengthened consistency across countries while enabling partners to exchange practical experiences and solutions.
Additional Information
Projects aiming to establish international demonstration networks should select motivated Pilot Demo Farmers with strong local credibility, while national coordinators should work closely with existing advisory services, farmer organisations and local networks to identify suitable demonstration farms and support their continuous engagement. Farmers are more likely to adopt Climate Smart Farming practices when they can observe real farm experiences, discuss practical implementation issues with fellow farmers and understand both the benefits and limitations under local conditions. Providing guidance, training materials and communication tools enables quality and consistency across countries, while supporting the wider adoption of CSF practices across diverse farming systems in Europe.