Estonia’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is in its early stages, with an introduction made at the organic farmers’ meeting on 20 November. The first official meeting is planned for January, a time when farmers face less time pressure.
Current Status:
The group is still forming, with interest from small-scale farmers eager to participate. However, larger farms are cautious about joining, citing the need for significant investments to adapt their systems, as the common practice in organic farming is three-day calf separation.
Challenges:
There is limited local experience with Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems, which has led to both interest and scepticism among farmers.
Estonia’s group reflects the potential for progress as they navigate these barriers and begin discussions on introducing CCC practices in the country. The January meeting will be a critical step forward for this emerging network.