Knowledge Platform EU-FarmBook Brings Agricultural Studies in Understandable Language

The EU-FarmBook information platform is now freely available to everyone. This free, open-access, and multilingual online platform collects and shares knowledge about agriculture and forestry gathered by EU-funded projects across Europe. A Wikipedia for agriculture, explaining years of scientific studies clearly to both laypeople and experts. Project coordinator and Ghent University professor Pieter Spanoghe looks back with satisfaction on the launch.

Professor Spanoghe previously explained how EU-FarmBook works. The official launch of EU-FarmBook on December 16, 2025, in Brussels received strong support from high-level European institutions and sector representatives. Diego Canga Fano, Acting Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI), believes in the knowledge platform as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for farmers, foresters, and advisors. “Digitalization offers us a unique opportunity to share knowledge faster, learn from each other, and connect people across European borders,” he says.

Fano hopes the new platform could also become a gateway for SMEs and start-ups wanting to invest in innovations emerging from EU-funded projects. This knowledge platform aims to ensure research knowledge is more easily translated into practice. Supporting materials such as infographics and videos should inform advisors and sector professionals about the latest insights.

Building a research community

Professor Spanoghe is the coordinator of EU-FarmBook. He emphasized the strong network-oriented approach, bringing together contributions from 18 EU member states. “We want to build a research community,” he says. “We want to connect projects and people.” Spanoghe also emphasized that the information offered comes from studies funded by government projects and is not based on commercial activities.

During the launch event, a panel discussion took place titled “Competitiveness through Knowledge.” Participants included Rūdolfs Pulkstenis, Vice President of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA); André Laperrière, former Executive Director of Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN); Lauren Dietemann, Communications and Project Manager at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL); and Professor Margarida Tomé, Vice President of the Board of the European Forest Institute (EFI). The discussion addressed the importance of sustainable practices, true cost accounting, and the challenges of engaging small farmers. Building relationships with CAP networks and promoting data sharing were key objectives, with emphasis on reaching farmers through personal contact and associations. The panelists underlined the importance of collaboration, with a clear focus on stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge sharing crucial to drive innovation

The creators of EU-FarmBook also emphasize how European competitiveness depends on how quickly effective solutions are applied in daily practice. In the closing session, Marion Picot, Secretary-General of CEJA, emphasized that the agricultural sector can contribute to this through EU-FarmBook.

Regarding the upcoming CAP reform, Picot noted it would bring significant challenges, particularly for young farmers, but also for the broader agricultural community. Here too, she underscored the importance of adequate funding for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems under CAP in all member states.

Interested parties can visit eufarmbook.eu.