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This research work focuses (AE4EU – WP3) on one specific portion of the overall picture presented above: a snapshot of recent years of funding for agroecology in different EU countries. Task 3.1 is about “public funding schemes for agroecology practices and research (regional, national and EU.” The objectives are: To build upon the mapping of task 1.2 in WP1 and assess how different countries implemented elements of agroecology in national/regional funding schemes and how they function; To scan for any other direct or indirect funding schemes which are supported by public funding (e.g. cities, national parks, communal funding, Local Action Groups, Leader, operational groups within EIP-Agri; To include financial data, and analyse trends and correlations; To analyse at European level (ERA-NET and COST programmes and framework 5 to 9 programmes (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe). Secondary data collection and financial analysis from public sources are drawn on for the analysis presented here, as well as primary data collection via targeted expert interviews, where secondary data do not yield sufficient results. This report discusses the importance of peasant agroecology for sustainable agriculture in Europe; its relevance in the context of the next CAP; the methodology used to collect and analyse data on public funding of agroecology in Europe; funding for agroecology (public and private), both in the context of research funding at European level and qualitative aspects of grassroots funding at country and regional levels.

This paper explores the potential of using playful and gameful approaches for facilitating and strengthening the collective action, networking, and negotiation of individuals, groups, and entities related to the farming sector across Europe, which include farmers and land managers. Framed under the EU Funded BOND project (bondproject.eu), we developed, experimented, and reflected on three playful tools for enabling the ‘bonding’ of various stakeholders in the sector towards creating strong, dynamic and effective organisations that have a voice and a place in policy design. The paper describes playful tools implemented in the project, which are based on the approaches designed under the award-winning GameChangers initiative (gamify.org.uk) and LEGO® Serious Play®. These tools have been repurposed through engagement with stakeholders from 17 partner institutions across 12 countries in Europe. Findings and reflections from practice-based exploratory investigations are discussed.