On 16 May 2025, the AGRO4AGRI project was actively represented at the Kick-off Meeting (KoM) of the CITRUSBUSTERS project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on protecting citrus crops through sustainable plant health solutions. The meeting, held in Spain, brought together a diverse consortium of researchers, industry partners, and policy stakeholders to launch a collaborative effort against citrus pests and diseases.

AGRO4AGRI’s Contribution: A Focus on Stakeholder Engagement

AGRO4AGRI was presented by its Work Package Leader for Dissemination and Communication, who introduced the project’s mission and its relevance to the broader goals of CITRUSBUSTERS. The presentation placed a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement strategies, showcasing how AGRO4AGRI:

• Identifies and maps key stakeholders across the agri-food value chain
• Designs tailored communication and engagement activities for farmers, policymakers, industry, and the public
• Promotes co-creation and knowledge exchange to ensure uptake of sustainable fertilisation practices
• Builds synergies with other EU-funded projects to amplify impact and visibility

This approach aligns with Horizon Europe’s emphasis on responsible research and innovation (RRI) and multi-actor engagement, ensuring that scientific advancements are both inclusive and actionable.

Building Bridges Between Projects

The KoM provided a valuable platform for AGRO4AGRI to explore cross-project collaboration with CITRUSBUSTERS, particularly in areas such as:

• Sustainable crop management
• Science communication and outreach
• Policy alignment and regulatory dialogue
• Farmer-centric innovation pathways

By sharing its stakeholder engagement methodology, AGRO4AGRI contributed to a broader discussion on how to translate research into real-world impact through participatory approaches.

Looking Forward

AGRO4AGRI’s presence at the CITRUSBUSTERS KoM reflects its commitment to collaborative innovation and strategic dissemination. As both projects move forward, their shared focus on sustainability, resilience, and stakeholder involvement will be key to achieving long-term success in European agriculture.