Zala Valley Open Farm Network: Policy Recommendations

This document outlines policy recommendations for the Zala Valley Open Farm Network, a Horizon 2020-funded initiative (grant No 101000797) under the FARMWELL project. It addresses systemic challenges in rural farming, including poor cooperation, environmental degradation, governance gaps, economic instability, and policy barriers. Key solutions focus on simplifying rural funding procedures, enhancing capacity-building through mentoring and digital tools, integrating social innovation into agricultural education, and supporting small-scale farmers with targeted subsidies and regulatory streamlining. The network promotes collective action, knowledge-sharing, and improved resource management to reduce isolation and enhance market access. Recommendations also include embedding mental health support—modeled on Belgium’s “Farmers on a Crossroad” program—and using SROI methodologies to communicate impact. These measures aim to foster sustainable, cooperative farming by addressing structural barriers in rural development.