Training series for climate-smart agriculture: site visits and job shadowing programmes

This two-day study visit in Helsinki strengthens the transfer of knowledge on climate-smart agriculture (CSA), food security and policy engagement within the EVECSA network. It brings together vocational teachers, advisors, higher-education representatives and project staff to examine how climate knowledge is applied across advisory systems, producer organisations, sustainability education, national policymaking, and sector advocacy and international climate negotiations. 

Participants will visit key organisations representing farm advisory services, agricultural advocacy, environmental education and parliamentary decision-making. Through expert presentations, discussions and site visits, they will explore CSA advisory models, farm-level transition support, resilience and risk management, land-use and climate negotiations, energy transition, and vocational sustainability roadmaps.

In addition to enhancing networking between VET providers, higher education, advisory systems and policymakers, the visit supports teachers in integrating climate resilience, land-use strategy, energy transition and geopolitical preparedness into agricultural education.

For more information, contact: Hanna-Mari Laitala, Kpedu, hanna-mari.laitala@kpedu.fi.

This two-day activity combines scientific insight with practical experience to deepen participants’ understanding of soil health and regenerative agriculture.

Participants will get insights from researchers and hear concrete examples of how scientific knowledge can be translated into teaching activities, as well as visiting the Kalø Organic Agricultural College for a field-based session with a regenerative farmer. The programme offers both knowledge updates and practical inspiration, while creating opportunities to exchange ideas with peers.

For more information, contact:
Bodil Hjarvard bohj@agro.au.dk or Frederik Haugaard Drue frdr@videndjurs.dk

The two-day study visit combines technical learning with territorial and social exploration, offering participants a holistic view of agrivoltaics in the rural context of Terrasini and the wider Palermo province.

Participants will take part in hands-on activities at an experimental agrivoltaic plant, exploring system design, crop integration, energy production and operational challenges. A visit to a local agribusiness will show how agrivoltaics can support farm resilience, diversify income and promote sustainable land use.

The training will also introduce the socio-economic heritage of the area through key sites linked to Danilo Dolci, whose work with farmers and fishermen laid the foundations for participatory development models, social empowerment, and community-led economic growth – principles that continue to inspire today’s sustainable innovation practices.

By connecting renewable energy, agriculture, and community engagement, the visit promotes integrated approaches to local development and climate transition.

For more information, contact:
Caterina Impastato caterina.impastato@cesie.org or Margherita Rosi margherita.rosi@impresasocialeland.org

This three-day course supports educators and staff in building a practical understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications in climate-smart agriculture. Through hands-on exercises, collaborative learning and real-life agricultural examples, participants will explore how AI can be used in teaching, data management, planning, decision-making and field work.

The focus is on practical application, helping participants confidently integrate digital tools into their daily work.

For more information, contact: Karolina Sikala ksi@ju.dk or Allan Due Jepsen aj@ju.dk

This three-day job shadowing provides a first-hand experience of how applied research and innovation is carried out in the fields of bioeconomy, environmental sustainability and circular economy.

Participants will join ongoing activities at the BETA Technological Center, working alongside researchers and technical staff. The programme includes guided visits to BETA’s laboratories (biotechnology, environmental analysis, waste valorisation), experimental pilot plants, greenhouse facilities, and experimental fields.

With a focus on how research outcomes can be integrated into vocational education, participants will learn about ongoing European and national projects related to soil health, nutrient recovery, bio-based products, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable waste management, and rural development. They will also gain insights into technology transfer processes, and the collaboration with companies and public administrations. 

For more information, and to agree the days of the job shadowing with the team, contact:
Berta Pou Martorell berta.pou.martorell@uvic.cat or Jordi Pous jordi.pous@uvic.cat

This one-week job shadowing opportunity offers an in-depth look at sustainable forest management and its role within the wider bioeconomy.

Participants will follow the full forestry value chain, from technical planning and forestry engineering to industrial chipping processes and biomass supply logistics. The experience will provide them with practical insight into forest management, specialised machinery, and the economic and environmental value of forestry, including its role in carbon sequestration.

Designed for professionals interested in broadening their perspective, the programme supports knowledge exchange between agriculture and forestry, highlighting opportunities for innovation and sustainability.

For more information, and to agree the week of the job shadowing with the team, contact:
Joshua Guacaneme Sánchez Joshua@boscat.cat