Students of the International Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development (ICARD) bachelor programme at FTZ, Jan Müldner and Anna Pražáková, travelled to the Brazilian part of the Amazon as part of their final thesis. The topics of their theses are related to the long-term plan of the research team TRACE (Tropical Farming Systems & Ecological Economics) at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, led by Assoc. Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D., which is to strengthen food security and economic self-sufficiency of agricultural communities facing climate risks and to promote agrobiodiversity. Anička and Honza focused specifically on deforestation, sustainable farming and the use of local palm species. We are happy to share their experiences.

On 29–30 April 2025, the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) hosted the EU CAP Network brokerage event titled “Partnering for innovation with impact in agriculture and rural areas.” Organised by the EU CAP Network in cooperation with CZU, the event brought together stakeholders to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration under the EIP-AGRI initiative, with a strong emphasis on funding opportunities within Horizon Europe. The programme featured field visits, a networking dinner, and tailored matchmaking activities to build impactful partnerships across the agriculture, forestry, and rural development sectors. 

The event focused on innovation topics aligned with Horizon Europe Cluster 6 — including digital technologies, sustainable food systems, new business models and value chains, and soil and water health.  

During the event, representatives from the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (CZU) presented their research and international project experience. 

• Petra Chaloupková shared insights on value chain management based on her work in the ADVALUE project in Kenya and Uganda and the SmartAgri Cambodia project. 

• Pavla Hejcmanová introduced activities of Antelope Conservation in Senegal. 

• Zbyněk Polesný presented research activities of the Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology. 

• Francisco Herrador Ceacero contributed with expertise in Animal physiology and behaviour. 

• Radim Kotrba highlighted activities under the AfroGrow project. 

• Jan Staš shared experience from field projects in Zambia. 

• Aishwarya Chaure showed the etnopharmacology laboratory and presented the main target products of the research. 

• Anežka Daníčková conducted the excursion in the greenhouse. 

These contributions showcased the diverse and impactful role of academic institutions in fostering innovation for sustainable development in agriculture and rural areas. 

A team of academic staff from FTZ CZU Prague, namely Iva Kučerová, Zbyněk Polesný, Ayat Ullah and Vladimír Verner, undertook an expedition to the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. The 10-day trip encompassed meetings with the partner organisation, th