The Friends of the Countryside
The Friends of the Countryside is a non-profit making organisation consisting of a network of like minded private landowners,
rural managers and entrepreneurs from 27 countries stretching from the Rockies to the Urals.
By means of innovative, regenerative and sustainable practices, this network promotes the long term interests of their land. Through the platform of the European Landowners’ Organisation, the FCS are able to ensure that their voice is heard throughout the European Union and beyond.
Upcoming General Assembly
24th Friends of the Countryside
General Assembly in Córdoba, 2021
Given the current situation, we have taken the decision to postpone
the FCS 2020 as well as the post-tour. We deeply regret having to
make this choice, but this appears to be the only reasonable choice
given current events.
To allow all members the same opportunity to join, we will host the
General Assembly from Thursday October 7 until Sunday Ocotber 10, 2021
in Córdoba and host a pre-tour in Sevilla and Jerez de la
Frontera from Monday October 4 until Thursday October 7, 2021.
Our specially conceived website with information about the GA and
pre-tour remains open and will be updated with the full programme shortly. Please click here or on the image
Current Events
The January-February issue of the CountrySide magazine is out. You are invited to read it by clicking on the Publications page.
Jan 27, 2021 : NEW ENTRY! Discover this new section with information about local events & activities, recent innovations, new members and prizes won by our Friends…
If you have information to share, please write to events[@]elo.org
Welcoming Estates Website: Countryside estates open to the public for private events, countryside getaways with a historic touch, countryside produce, sports, restaurants, picnics and so much more…
Click on the logo for a full list of estates, their history and activities on offer or visit our Instagram page!
Registration for the inaugural September 2021 FCS Study Tour in Abergavenny, Wales is now open! …
This smaller in depth study tour of the fertile Usk valley lowlands and rugged uplands of the Black Mountains will explore how to steer a future rural support programme in Wales and in Europe. All members should have received an invitation email with the registration form attached.
For more information, please contact : events[@]elo.org
FFA2021
Month of March on Food System Renewal – CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND REGISTRATION!
Spread out across three weeks will be a diverse, broad and captivating range of virtual workshops, seminars, moderated discussions alongside networking and exhibitions via our innovative digital platform.
Our Secretary General presents a short video on why FFA2021 matters.
Do please check out the programme, register, attend and participate in the 3 week long forum!
YFCS announces the launching of the 2021 FAMIGRO AWARD.
Would you know of any young (under 40!) rural entrepreneurs who contribute to the evolution of our rural countryside in a social responsible and sustainable manner? For details on how to apply, please click here
YFCS Webinars
To access the successful YFCS webinar on Brexit attended by many FCS members and an article written by our expert Michael Sayer, please login to the Members section top right.
Please note the following Webinar topics and dates! March 29: Rural Connectivity April 12: Rural Disorder-Impacts of COVID May 10: Renewable Resources
InnoForESt, sustainable supply and payment mechanisms for forest ecosystem services, announces that 6 policy briefs generated from the D6.3 report are now available on the project website
A comprehensive video presentation by FCS Secretary General, Thierry de l’Escaille, of the activities to support landowners by the European Landowners’ Organisation by FCS CEO as recorded at the ELO General Assembly in December 2020. Please click here to view it
Following the EPG’s discussion on the strict protection target of the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, here is a new version of the ELO position paper. Strict protection. ELO Position. 29.01.2021
Please contact [email protected] for any questions or remarks.
Click on the image to access information about all our Previous Events.