AgriTrain Train the Trainer for a Sustainable AgricultureBuilding upon the experiences made with the earlier project AgriSkills (www.agriskills.eu), this project proposal aims at making trainers more aware of the relevance of sustainability for agriculture. Besides innovative concepts of vocational training for sustainable development, there is a need for stronger emphasis on sustainability in agriculture. It is not planned to produce additional new content, but rather to develop thinking in terms of sustainability as an integral part and underlying theme in vocational and private behavior alike.The aim and focus of our project is the implementation of learning for sustainable development in the training of vocational instructors (teachers at vocational schools and company in-house trainers) in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and related areas by the development of curricula on school and company level. Further education programs and a strategy for broad dissemination shall also lead to advanced and ongoing discussions on the implementation of “Vocational Education and Training for Sustainable Development” (VETSD) in educational structures.For this purpose, special programs for further education will be created. They will be available for teachers and trainers on an individual basis thus strengthening the learning place cooperation between schools and company in-house training.A guideline VETSD for both, participants and as a basis for a wider qualified discussion at structural level on VETSD is planned.The dissemination of results is achieved by various multiplier events as well as by the associated partners. The results will be available on the project website www.agri-train.eu and on the websites of the partner organizations.In the preparatory phase training and continuing education for in-school and in-company trainers in the partner countries are analysed, in particular with respect to the embedding of aspects of sustainability. In the implementation phase this demand analysis also serves as an orientation aid for ranking curricula according to European standards (EQF).In a strategic partnership with universities and colleges, a chamber of Agriculture, Workers Union affiliated Educational Institution, a company the following two intellectual outputs will be generated:I.O. 1 – Curriculum – Training for Trainer in the Field of Sustainable DevelopmentExemplary development of three modules of further-education for trainer with the following topical foci:• soil science• water management• health and safetyAll three modules are to meet “VSTD” criteria and will be developed along the lines of “regular” curricular teaching content.The modules will include the development of employability skills, will employ a set of diverse teaching and learning methods, and will make extensive use of state-of-the art information and communication technologies.Agriculture is very much shaped by European regulations. The impacts of these regulations have to be integrated into education and training. For this purpose, innovative approaches will be developed in cooperation with the partners.I.O. 2 – Guideline for Vocational Training in the Area of Sustainable DevelopmentGuidelines are to be developed in order to facilitate the comprehensive dissemination of (VETSD) educational materials and intentions. The guideline is based on the development of a strategic vision on VETSD within the project. This vision of VETSD is to reflect and delineate the contentual positioning of sustainable development and agriculture and will also be the basis of a checklist that provides orientation concerning the integration of aspects of sustainability in teaching- and learning materials in the project. The guidelines are intended for school and in-house instructors and for the dissemination of VETSD among the stakeholders.TrainingsThe modules of continuing education and the guideline will be tested trans-nationally in short-term training modules. The tests will be evaluated and the data and insights provide a basis for final revision of curricula.Target-groupsInstructors (in-house and school) from the fields of agriculture, horticulture and related sectors.Trainees in the fields of agriculture and related vocational areas, who participate in further education programmes.Dissemination strategyThe various multiplier events will generate new aspects (training of trainers, European context) to enhance the discussions about VETSD at the systemic level. In cooperation with national and European social partners, it is intended to influence training regulations and programmes in the long term.The results of the project will be published electronically /print-media.In addition, results will be disseminated:• on local level by offering educational modules• on regional and national level by discussions and events and• on European level by all the discussions in the committees the social partners are part of

The use of synergetic effects in vocational education and training is the main target of this Project. We work in the field of Agriculture, horticulture, nutrition and traditional craft techniques. The aim is to find common standards for the Vocational qualifications of professions with similarities. A benefit for the participants is to experience the various territorial, cultural, economic and ethnic structures in the rural regions of the partner countries. The different practical & theoretical experiences in vocational education and training, the other approach, with the same objective, supports European professional profiles and degrees. We use the ECVET system. The partners have 20-year of experience in mobility of vocational training and use this experience for the project. We all work in rural areas. The aim of the project is to create harmonized modules for the vocational training in a European context. We will make the results measurable. The participants in the project will survey options for the, vocational education and training in the green professions, the food processing and traditional crafts. The training will be made visible and sustainable. To this end, training modules are being created with practical use in the training for old handicraft techniques, sustainable agriculture, horticulture and nutrition. It especially supports small companies and Farmers. Applications for a Training in similar professions in rural areas are developed. We will develop training materials and e-learning modules for agricultural and craft technics. The participants on the learning activities are trained intensively about the country’s and their cultural peculiarities. Also, the development of the language skills is an imported element of the Participants. Learning Outcomes are listed as per the ECVET model and are acheivable and measurable The participants come from 6 European countries & are working in the vocational training of their region. They are qualified trainers & have their own practical experience in their professions. They will extend their educational horizons by the mobility and ensure that the experiences and results will be used in the vocational education and training of their Country. Vocational teachers, trainers and specialists are involved in the preparation, implementation and evaluation for the project. activities - Demonstration in working farms in Kato Drys, Santa Olalla, Rimet, Lisov Slovakia & in Cross Lanes. Presentation of vocational training with its characteristics, structures and economic possibilities. - Practical implementation of sustainable, ecological production & introduction into vocational training. - Explanation and practical demonstration of the use of indigenous food and natural resources - Adding value to the products & distribution with the goal of profitable marketing. - Ensuring and building community initiatives to strengthen the rural economy. - Training and modernization of old craftsmanship. In the rural regions of Slovakia, Spain, Romania, Great Britain, Cyprus & Germany, the participants learn about the special features of the territorial, traditional & contentual educational structures. In workshops, demonstrations and practical exercises the content, methods & goal of the vocational training are explained. The Content and methodical differences in education and the knowledge transfer are elaborated in the courses and possibilities for introduction into the existing in-country training are worked out. The exchange of knowledge and training methods is the focus. The project is designed to extend & complete theoretical & practical knowledge in vocational education and training. Learning modules accredited with ECVET points are developed. In the participating countries forums, exhibitions and publications, there will be organized actions and there is publication in different media. In the WEB blog of the project, the results are published & the partners exchange experiences between the institutions. The results of the project contribute to the standardization of professional training. The synergies of Forestry, Farming, horticulture, food processing, and traditional crafts help to standardize training methods. The target to achieve comparable training in a high-quality which is practically applicable in vocational training will be reached.The methodology & approach is result-oriented.

Extensive livestock exploitation models are crucial for the sustainable maintenance of important rural areas in Europe. These models are the paradigm of ecological, social and economic sustainability. These models fight against depopulation in rural areas and have a positive impact in animal wellbeing and human health compared to other non-extensive models. These models supply consumers with quality foodl products in many EU territories and promote the sustainable development of our society. The future of such livestock exploitation models, currently under threat due to the effects of climate change and administrative barriers (droughts, animal health problems, increase in parasites, administrative limitations for transhumance, etc...) depends on the availability and capacity of extensive Shepherds. But the problem is that it is increasingly difficult to find well trained shepherds that have the knowledge and experience to face all the aspects involved in extensive livestock shepherding. Shepherds are an ageing social group, the younger ones lack proper training, education and experience and nowadays there is no motivation to become a shepherd due to the low social standing and lack of a specific professional training offer and The shepherds – key actors and basis for extensive livestock – carry out innumerable functions in rural, disadvantaged and under populated areas.Although they are an important element in rural societies, shepherds lack social recognition, and they don’t have access in many cases to a well-structured, methodical and validated training for the sustainable management of extensive exploitations. The project idea arises after a need analysis of the current situation, being the most important problems, among others:•Difficulties to find professional shepherds; •Lack of more structured and updated training and education offers adapted to current needs and threats, as well as adapted flexible training tools for current or future Shepherds.•Lack of motivation to become a shepherd; EU4SHEPHERDS seeks to improve and update the training offer for extensive shepherds taking into account current barriers (administrative mainly…) threads (new climate scenario and its consequences) and opportunities (ecological production trends, agro tourism, etc…) to ensure a sustainable maintenance of extensive livestock exploitations (economical, social and environmental) giving them tools to become resilient. The project will adapt the training methods (both for trainers and trainees) for a work-based learning taking into consideration current barriers and logistical problems for extensive shepherds (many of them are distributed along rural isolated areas) in order to ensure the sustainability of the profession and of extensive livestock exploitations. Furthermore, the project will provide a training platform designed for extensive shepherds (not used to complicated interfaces or texts) and will promote the use of digital tools for training.These objectives will be satisfied with the development of three IOs (New curricula for professional shepherds; New flexible training methodology for trainers; New on-line adapted training platform for extensive shepherds)Although Shepherds are the main objective of the project, we can say that trainers involved in the training of extensive shepherds are the key element for making possible the needed change in the training of professional shepherds, and therefore, trainers are the main target group of key project actions (IOs and training workshops).This project faces a common problem of many rural European areas, especially in countries where extensive livestock models have an important presence and effect in local societies. Most part of these countries are represented in this project. The EU4Shepherds partners represent all actors needed to develop the project efficiently and to implement the results successfully, giving special importance to the link between VET entities and the needs of extensive livestock exploitations, in order to include the necessary curricula and methodologies for trainers to implement in a further phase a certifiable shepherd training course.

<< Objectives >>Ruralism4EU - “Enabling rural renaissance through Green and Digital transitions” is a small-scale initiative whose objective is to collect intelligence at EU level to support organizations working on rural development topics to offer better services for the rural communities they serve and build a momentum for the renaissance of EU rural areas by exchanging and capitalizing on the information gathered, but also on the experiences of project partners to build their capacities.<< Implementation >>1. Collection of best practices/case studies and stakeholders engagement to collect a series of case studies linked to rural revitalization, safeguarding and transferring traditional knowledge and “green” agricultural practices, digitalization for rural workers and population, to be shared and analyzed by project partners and external stakeholders.2. Two Exchange of Knowledge meetings where the results of the research will be presented and discussed among partners.<< Results >>A collection of case studies and best practices (approx 20) that promote the development of rural areas in the context of green and digital transitions and that have a high transferability potential;About 20 external stakeholders involved that can share their initiatives, as well as their needs and challenges in relation to the objectives of the research undertook by the partnershipTwo in-person exchange of knowledge meetings.

People with special needs are in danger of segregation and their chances in the labour market are very limited. Promoting their professional inclusion is of the utmost significance, as it provides realization, autonomy, inclusion and a better quality of life.In this context, farming appears as a good niche for their inclusion, as long as the right kind of training contents, methods and qualified professionals are put into it. Contextual factors such as the environmental and the rural areas crisis, open new opportunities for an active participation of these social groups in the Green Farming Sectors. Providing more employment opportunities than conventional farming, while generating positive environmental impacts, Green Farming Sectors show a great potential for the training and socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs.However, for this to become a reality, proper training is needed. Responding to this need, AGROINCLUSION pursues as a central goal:- To improve the quality and adaptability of vocational training, training methods, materials and curricula for persons with special needs, for the enhancement of their skills and of their opportunities for socio-professional inclusion in the Green Farming Sectors.And the following specific goals:- To set up a synergic transnational partnership between different organizations providing vocational training or work for the socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors.- To exchange and to explore good practices, real experiences, methods, tools, training programs, etc., in the fields of VET and the inclusion of these social groups in the Green Farming Sectors, that can be replicated in other territories.- To identify and compile needs and good practices that should be implemented in practice in order to improve the training and socio-professional integration of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors (including successful reduced dual training systems).- To bring sustainability concepts to these social groups.To achieve these goals, the project brings together 7 organizations (6 countries) experienced in VET and socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors, to share and exchange knowledge, experiences and best practices.The project work plan is centred in the implementation of Workshops for the transfer of good practices and innovative approaches related to:- Training materials and methods related to technical aspects of the Green Farming Sectors adapted to people with special needs.- Vocational Educational systems: Dual training systems adapted to these social groups.These workshops are mostly addressed to trainers/workers engaged in training and socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs, and VET trainers/workers related to the Green Farming Sectors, which are the project main target group.The project will produce the following results:-Strengthened cooperation and knowledge exchange between organizations experienced in VET and organizations providing training and socio-professional inclusion for persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors.-Improved competences of participants through the exchange of experiences and best practices and the acquisition of knowledge on a diversity of tools, methods, approaches, etc., for the training and professional inclusion of these social groups in the Green Farming Sectors. -Transfer and adoption of best practices and emergence of innovative approaches supporting the socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors. -Increased understanding of the needs of socio-professional integration of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors and the challenges for a better alignment of training strategies with the specificities of these social groups.-Greater presence of concepts of sustainability in VET and training for persons with special needs.As well as important benefits. In particular:Project partners and other participants will benefit from the exchange of experiences and good practices, the acquisition of knowledge, skills, ideas, methods, etc., that may allow more adapted strategies to the training and socio-professional integration of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors. The project will also indirectly impact, through the enhanced knowledge and skills of trainers and workers involved, the beneficiaries of VET institutions and of organizations training or promoting the socio-professional inclusion of persons with special needs in the Green Farming Sectors.Many of these will remain in the long run, as the skills, knowledge and social capital acquired by project partners and other participants, can be used in their daily practice after the project. This knowledge and skills can also be transmitted to co-workers, or in the context of other partnerships or projects in which they participate