In a significant step toward safeguarding European agriculture, Highclere Consulting (HCC) recently participated in the EU-FAWREADY Workshop 2026, a two-day event dedicated to building a proactive defense against the Fall Armyworm (FAW) threat.

As a key partner in the consortium, HCC took the lead in presenting the progress of Work Package 1 (WP1): Stakeholder Engagement, showcasing how collaborative networks are the backbone of effective pest management and animal health frameworks.

Our colleague, Elena Ion, presented in Milan the concrete steps Highclere Consulting is taking to ensure that scientific research on the Fall Armyworm (FAW) translates into practical, on-the-ground impact through Work Package 1 (WP1): Stakeholder Engagement. Within the EU-FAWREADY project, HCC acts as a vital information broker, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where researchers, farmers, advisors, and policymakers can connect and share real-time insights.

Key progress and highlights shared during the workshop include:

    • Successful Multi-Actor mobilization: We reported high engagement levels from our initial outreach, with 84 active participants attending our first major project webinar, “Maize matters: Europe gets FAW-ready!”. 

    • Ongoing needs assessment: HCC is currently leading active surveys to gather critical feedback from the agricultural community. This data is essential for the development of user-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines that truly address the practical constraints faced by farmers.

    • Knowledge transfer via open resources: To ensure continuous learning, we have made all project webinar recordings publicly available on YouTube and the official website, facilitating the broad transfer of knowledge across European networks.

    • Strengthening preparedness through collaboration: We announced upcoming Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication (DEC) opportunities, including a joint session during the NEXTGENBIOPEST webinar on March 17, 2026. This session will focus specifically on “Awareness and preparedness for action to effectively manage FAW outbreaks”.

       

    • Strategic Pillar Alignment: Our work in WP1 directly supports the project’s LEARN, DETECT, and MANAGE pillars by creating spaces for two-way exchange and co-creation, identifying practical gaps for technology uptake, and building a shared understanding of FAW risks across Europe.

 

The Milan workshop served as a vital platform for the 14-partner consortium to align on the project’s operational strategy. Beyond our specific work on engagement, the event featured deep dives into understanding how climate change is accelerating the spread of the Fall Armyworm in Europe and exploring innovative detection tools like AI-based monitoring.

By acting as a bridge between local communities and European networks, HCC ensures that the voices of those on the ground are heard at the highest levels. Our participation in Milan reinforces our commitment to empowering rural actors and building more resilient food systems for all.

Are you interested in joining the EU-FAWREADY stakeholder community?

We invite researchers, farmers, and industry experts to stay involved. 

LinkedIn Stakeholder Group,  LinkedIn page, BlueSky, Website, YouTube.

Stay tuned to our Insights page and social media for more updates on our work with EU-FAWready and other Horizon Europe projects.

 

Photos by HCC, INRAE, PENSOFT.