● Our work
Working groups
Background and rationale
Building on its recent work, Agrinatura has established three internal Working Groups (WGs) as platforms for joint learning, strategic reflection, and collaborative action.
These Working Groups strengthen coordination among members and enhance Agrinatura’s collective impact in research, policy engagement, and partnerships.
The three Working Groups are:
- Policy & Advocacy Working Group
- Research & Innovation Working Group
- Partnerships & Alliances Working Group
Overview of the Working Groups
Working Group
Main Focus
Core Objective
Policy and Advocacy
Advocacy
Policy dialogue
Institutional positioning
Strengthen Agrinatura’s voice and influence in European and global policy processes related to sustainable food systems, research, and higher education.
Research and Innovation
Research cooperation
Innovation
Evidence generation
Facilitate collaboration among members and partners in generating, sharing, and scaling research for development.
Alliances and Partnerships
Strategic partnerships
Higher education
Mobility
Institutional collaboration
Support purpose-driven alliances and capacity building for sustainable agri-food systems, including membership expansion.
01
Open participation
All Agrinatura members may join one or more WGs according to their institutional expertise and interest.
02
Voluntary engagement
Contributions are based on members’ voluntary commitment and collaboration.
03
Coordinated structure
Each WG is led by a Chair with support from the Secretariat.
04
Cross-cutting collaboration
Working Groups exchange information and collaborate on shared priorities.
05
Annual review
Each WG prepares a short annual progress note for the Board and General Assembly.
06
Flexible formats
Time-limited Working Groups may be created when strategic needs arise.
1. Policy & Advocacy Working Group
Purpose
To coordinate and strengthen Agrinatura’s collective policy engagement and advocacy in research, education, and innovation for sustainable food systems.
Objectives
- Develop and update Agrinatura’s policy positions on key agendas (e.g. EU Global Gateway, Green Deal, AU–EU Innovation Agenda, One Health).
- Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and consultation responses.
- Engage in strategic policy dialogues (EU, AU–EU, ASEAN, LAC–EU, UN Food Systems processes, etc.).
- Translate project outputs into evidence-based advocacy.
Key Outputs
- Annual advocacy and policy plan
- Policy papers and briefs
- Annual report on activities and impact
2. Research & Innovation Working Group
Purpose
To strengthen collaboration in research for development, promote joint initiatives, and ensure that research evidence informs policy and practice.
Objectives
- Identify opportunities for joint project development and research partnerships.
- Promote interdisciplinary and system-based approaches to agri-food research.
- Map and share member’s research capacities and expertise.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and joint publications.
Key Outputs
- Annual research collaboration map (institutions, themes, projects).
- Concepts notes and strategic proposal frameworks.
- Thematic briefs highlighting Agrinatura’s research contributions.
3. Alliances and Partnerships Working Group
Purpose
To develop, coordinate, and monitor Agrinatura’s strategic alliances across regions and sectors, ensuring partnerships are purposeful, policy-relevant, and sustainable.
Objectives
- Broaden and diversify the partner base, including civil society, local innovators, and private sector actors.
- Strengthen alliances with Southern partners to enhance co-ownership and alignment with local development priorities.
- Increase Agrinatura’s visibility and influence through strategic partnerships.
Key Outputs
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners
- Annual partnership report (progress, challenges, opportunities)
- Updated partner mapping and contact database
- Partnership briefs highlighting key collaborations
- Contributions to advocacy and strategic documents