For more than a decade, HCC has worked at the intersection of policy, practice, and community, providing expert support to EU institutions, national ministries, and local networks.
“Our role is that of a trusted information broker and facilitator of collaboration.”HCC mission
HCC Expertise
HCC excels in fostering sustainable rural development across Europe, utilizing deep expertise in agriculture and food systems, environment and climate change adaptation, and the design of efficient governance and policy processes.
HCC Services
HCC bridges the gap between local realities and European strategy by amplyfinig grassroots voices, empowering communities and transforming their needs into actionable policy insights. In essence, HCC connects local action with European impact.
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HCC projects
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14. ClimateSmartResearch
13. EUFAWREADY
12. LiveNet
11. PRO-WILD
10. PREMIERE
9. trans4num
8. VISIONARY
7. EU-FARMBOOK
6. FARMWELL
5. MOVING
4. FoodSHIFT 2030
3. LIAISON
2. AgriLink
1. SALSA
HCC insights
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EU-FarmBook at the “HEALTHY SOIL AS THE FOUNDATION OF CHANGE” conference: Connecting knowledge to action
The vital link between agricultural research, policy, and practical farming was strongly reinforced last week at the impactful…
Driving impact: HCC leads Stakeholder Engagement Training at PRO-WILD Consortium Meeting in Vienna
The journey for the EU-funded PRO-WILD: Protect and Promote Crop Wild Relatives officially had the second meeting last…
LiveNet Project – A New Chapter for Sustainable Livestock Advisory
The Highclere Consulting team joined an inspiring gathering in Paris, France, for the Kick-off Meeting of the LiveNet project, held…
"A workplace shapes the person you become. Being part of the HCC team has greatly deepened my awareness of the importance of stronger urban–rural connections and the value of supporting local food systems.”
”Keeping researchers informed is key to bridging the gap between research and policy, enabling evidence-based contributions to decision-making. Staying engaged is crucial. NRPPs in each Member State will shape funding priorities and determine how strongly sustainability and environmental standards are implemented in practice.”
“As an MAA proposal writer, think about the evaluators as partners in your process. Consider especially that at least one of the evaluators is likely to be a multi-actor expert with an interest in selecting and promoting the very best quality multi-actor project proposal possible”.
”I left Lelystad inspired by the energy in the room — the open exchange of ideas, and how quickly people from different countries and backgrounds connected around a shared vision for sustainable farming. The ambition to make it part of the climate solution was truly motivating.”
”Co Innovation partnerships can be effective catalysts for transformative change, provided scaling complexities are navigated, and enabling mechanisms leveraged adeptly. Our insights advance the understanding of scaling dynamics in co-innovation and offer evidence-based strategies for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to bolster the impact of co-innovation initiatives in agriculture and forestry.”
”For me, this 'back work' in communication feels a lot like life at home in the countryside. Feeding the animals, fixing small things, or keeping the garden alive may not be glamorous, but without them, nothing works. The same goes for Horizon projects: it’s the careful, constant work in the background that keeps everything growing. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
”I find immense value and satisfaction in working directly with stakeholders, as facilitating these participatory processes is crucial for developing policies and strategies that are both relevant and impactful.”
”We call for more tailored opportunities for young people to remain in, move to, and establish businesses in, rural mountain areas. These could be aided via a reworking of the existing subsidies and grant schemes, or via providing opportunities for collaborations between young people and existing local mountain businesses.”