The 20th International Scientific Conference of the European Rural Development Network "Green Transformation in Rural Europe" took place in Vilnius from 11-13 September 2024. The event brought together 80 participants from 14 different countries.
The international conference was organised by the Institute of Economics and Rural Development of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (EKVI) in cooperation with the European Rural Development Network (ERDN) and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. The event attracted researchers and practitioners interested in agriculture, rural development and bioeconomy. More than 50 presentations on these topics were delivered by participants, who shared their insights, experiences and the latest knowledge, contributing to the analysis of current challenges and the search for solutions to green transformation in rural areas.
The first day focused on themes that explored scientific and social developments in the field of green transformation, with an emphasis on the European Green Deal and the role of rural development networks in this transformation. It also discussed the challenges and solutions for Lithuanian agriculture to implement the green transformation. Innovation and the role of clusters in strengthening the agri-food sector were given prominence, with particular emphasis on the impact of innovation on farm income inequalities. In addition, participants learned about funding opportunities through the EU's European Horizon programme to support green transformation initiatives.
The second day of the conference was dedicated to a field trip of Lithuania's rural regions, giving participants the opportunity to learn about socio-economic innovations; collaborative practices between urban businesses and rural populations in the provision of educational services; and the development of new innovative food products. At the family farm "Šironija", participants learned about the history of the farm and its transformation from a traditional dairy farm to new innovative products made from hemp, with an insight into local traditions and craftsmanship. Next, a visit to Super Garden, a company distinguished by the quality and diversity of its freeze-dried products, whose range of 15 product categories, using the latest freeze-drying technology, has won worldwide recognition. In addition, the company recently won a competition launched by the European Space Agency and will be developing a new recipe for snacks for astronauts. The trip culminated with a visit to the Panevėžys Narrow Gauge Railway Educational Programme, where participants saw how organisations providing cultural services work with the local community to engage participants in cultural, economic and social initiatives.
The third day of the conference focused on other topical issues. These included the creation of rural visions through the interaction between science, society and politics, as well as research on agricultural development carried out in various European countries. Speakers discussed the current state of the art of artificial intelligence in agriculture and future perspectives. They also highlighted social innovations, such as community farm models and rural laboratories, which help to shape policy and involve rural populations in socio-economic activities, strengthening their role in local development processes.
Author of the pictures: Virginija Valuckienė (Academy of Lithuanian Sciences)
