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

The SmartAgriCambodia project officially launched this week at the National University of Battambang (NUBB), marking a major step forward in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in northwestern Cambodia. The two-day kick-off meeting, held from May 16–17, 2025, brought together representatives from academic institutions, local cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, government authorities, and international partners.