FoodCoP Final Event in Kočevje Connected Rural Voices from Four Continents

The EU-funded project gathered municipalities, mentors and rural innovators in Slovenia and online to share results and next steps for Startup Villages.

KOčEVJE, SLOVENIA, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- FoodCoP, a Horizon Europe project helping rural communities across Europe become Startup Villages, held its Final Event on 6 October 2026 in Kočevje, Slovenia, in hybrid format. The programme included an overview of the project's approach and key results, Kočevje's experience as a Startup Village, the FoodCoP Ambassador and Mentor Programme, and final reflections from the European Commission's Project Officer.

Voices from rural communities around the world

The highlight of the day was the Global Online Roundtable "Stories from Rural Communities Around the World", moderated by RDI Hub (Ireland). Speakers from Slovenia, Japan, Uruguay and Canada shared real experiences of circular bioeconomy in their territories. Each of them explained the turning point that led them toward a circular approach and offered one piece of advice for rural European communities just starting out.

The conversation showed that, despite very different contexts, rural communities shared common challenges, and common opportunities, when it came to food systems, bioeconomy and local innovation. The full recording is available on the FoodCoP YouTube channel.

Next milestone: FoodCoP Policy Dialogue on 27 October

FoodCoP's final stretch continues with the FoodCoP Policy Dialogue on 27 October 2026 at 14:00 CET. The consortium will present the project's final Policy Brief, with actionable insights to foster innovation in rural areas and support the creation of new Startup Villages across Europe. Policymakers, Startup Villages and rural innovators are invited to register and take part.

About FoodCoP

FoodCoP is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101182001. The project supports rural communities in becoming Startup Villages by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and circular bioeconomy practices in local food systems. More information at foodcop.eu.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Raquel Ordoyo
ASOCIACION CLUSTER FOOD+i
+34 682 32 02 12
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FoodCoop Final Event Roudtable