Pannon EGTC

The Central2Table – From Central Europe to Table: Breaking barriers and bridging innovation in the agri-food sector in Central Europe project, submitted under the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme, has been approved for funding. The 24-month initiative aims to strengthen the innovation capacity of the Central European agri-food sector and reduce barriers that hinder cross-border cooperation.

In Central Europe, the cross-border exchange of local products and agri-food knowledge is often hindered by differences in legislation, standards, certification requirements, as well as linguistic, logistical, and administrative barriers. As a result, markets remain fragmented, international cooperation opportunities for small-scale producers and businesses are limited, and access to innovation support services is often challenging. The sector also faces additional difficulties due to an ageing producer base, a low number of young professionals, and the limited participation of women.

The Central2Table project addresses these challenges through four interconnected areas. The project will strengthen the institutional framework for cross-border cooperation, enhance the digital and innovation capacities of producers and businesses, support market access and short supply chains, and promote sustainable tourism and the joint promotion of regional products by building on local gastronomic heritage.

The project will establish agri-food innovation cooperation networks in three border regions: along the Polish–Czech, Slovenian–Hungarian, and Austrian–German borders. Planned activities include the creation of three cross-border innovation centres and information points, targeted professional support for 90 agri-food stakeholders, the further development of digital knowledge-sharing and matchmaking tools, as well as the organisation of training sessions and workshops involving young people, experienced producers, and women entrepreneurs.

The Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (Pannon EGTC) will participate in all work package activities, while its specific tasks will focus on three priority areas.

The Central2Table project provides an opportunity for Pannon EGTC to apply its previous experience in the fields of local products, tourism, and cross-border market access at the Central European level. The project can directly support producers, tourism service providers, and development organisations in the Slovenian–Hungarian border region, while contributing to the reduction of legal and administrative barriers and the creation of a more cooperative and innovative regional agri-food ecosystem.

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