Connecting knowledge with practice in every detail for a sustainable and resilient future.
What we stand for
At Highclere Consulting (HCC), we are dedicated to driving meaningful and sustainable transformation across Europe's agricultural and rural sectors. We believe that lasting change is achieved by connecting people, policy, and practice through a collaborative and evidence-based approach.
Our core mission is to empower farmers and rural communities by fostering social innovation, improving well-being, and promoting fair market access, all while developing place-based strategies that respect regional characteristics. We champion the integration of sustainable and climate-resilient practices, recognizing that a resilient future for Europe's food systems and rural landscapes is inextricably linked to environmental stewardship and a vibrant rural economy.
By acting as a conduit between complex research findings and real-world application, we translate knowledge into actionable insights for farmers and policymakers alike. We are committed to fostering multi-directional knowledge exchange, making sure that grassroots experiences inform research and policy development, and that our work supports evidence-informed decisions that lead to a greener, more inclusive, and prosperous future for rural Europe.
Our role is that of a trusted information broker and facilitator of collaboration. We use participatory processes and multi-stakeholder engagement to co-design context-sensitive policies and innovations, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also widely accepted.
HCC – Beyond Horizons
reflects our journey as a consultancy committed to strengthening rural areas and sustainable development across Europe and beyond. 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.
HCC - beyond horizons
Expertise
Agriculture and food
We are passionate about driving innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector.
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Rural development
We are dedicated to fostering smart rural communities that are both resilient and innovative.
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Environment and climate change
We help the agricultural sector tackle the challenges of climate change.
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Processes
We are experts in the multi-actor approach, to co-create innovative and lasting solutions.
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Services
Local engagement & advice
We specialise in bringing valuable knowledge directly to Romania’s rural communities and ensuring their perspectives are heard where it matters most.
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Policy
We design policy recommendations in close consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that both national and EU-level strategies are grounded in real needs.
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Communication and facilitation
We are dedicated to making information understandable and actionable for farmers, communities, and decision-makers.
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HCC Voices
Cătălina
Consultant
"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.”
Raluca
Administrator and Co-owner
”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.”
Jordi
Senior International Consultant
“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”.
Gina
Consultant
”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.”
Lisa
Senior International Consultant
”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.”
Elena
Content and Communication Manager
”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.”
Alina
Communication & Facilitation Consultant
”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.”
Cătălina
Consultant
”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.”