Build practical skills in climate-smart agriculture through study visits and job shadowing
Finland, Spain, Italy, Denmark: from resilient farming to innovative production models, from climate advocacy to agrivoltaics, explore the future of agriculture across Europe.
These study visits and training opportunities are designed to support vocational educators and professionals in keeping pace with the ongoing transformation of agriculture. As the sector evolves in response to the climate crisis and technological changes, teaching also needs to adapt – becoming more connected to real-world practice, research and policy.
Through hands-on experiences, peer exchange and direct engagement with experts and organisations, these activities aim to strengthen practical knowledge, inspire new teaching approaches and build stronger links between education, industry and innovation across Europe.
Together, they contribute to a more responsive and future-oriented vocational agricultural education system, better equipped to prepare learners for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Study visit
Crop production, research and food value chains
20-21 April 2026
Finland CoVE
This two-day study visit focuses on the recent developments in crop production and what they mean for vocational education. Participants will gain insight into the full value chain of grain production – from plant breeding and agricultural research to food industry requirements; they will explore topics such as soil health, climate-smart agriculture, plant breeding, grain quality and the evolving expectations of the food industry for primary production.
Bringing together vocational education teachers, research organisations, agribusiness companies and food industry representatives, the visit will create space for peer learning and exchange. Participants will reflect on how to bring research and industry insights into teaching, and how training farms can be used more actively as living laboratories for research, development and innovation (RDI).
Day 1 – Monday 20 April
12:00 – Visit to Fazer, Lahti – Food industry perspective on grain production, quality requirements and contract farming.
17:00 – Berner Ltd. expert session at Salpaus lakeside sauna – on plant protection developments, biological solutions and risk management in crop production.
Networking, light dinner and Finnish sauna.
Day 2 – Tuesday 21 April
09:30 – Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen – on soil health, nutrient balance, climate adaptation and reduction of emissions from peat soils.
13:30–15:30 – Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd. – on plant breeding for Nordic conditions and future crop varieties adapted to changing climates.
Organisers: KPEDU, in cooperation with Luonnonvara-alan johtajat ry
For more information, click here and contact
Hanna-Mari Laitala
Study visit
Climate wisdom, advocacy and networking
1-2 June 2026
Finland CoVE
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.
Day 1 – Monday 1 June
07:03 Train from Kannus to Helsinki
12:00 ProAgria Keskusten Liitto – on food security, preparedness and climate-smart agriculture from the advisory perspective
14:30 MTK (Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners) – on climate advocacy and sector representation
Day 2 – Tuesday 2 June
08:30 SYKLI Environmental College
13:00 Visit to the Parliament of Finland (Eduskunta) + Meeting with Members of Parliament from Central, Southern and Northern Ostrobothnia
16:20 Return train to Kannus
Organisers: KPEDU, Sedu, and LUAS, in cooperation with ProAgria Keskusten Liitto, MTK, SYKLI and the Parliament of Finland
For more information, click here and contact
Hanna-Mari Laitala
Study visit
Soil health – a prerequisite for regenerative agriculture
31 August and
1 September 2026
Denmark CoVE
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.
Organisers: Institute of Agrobiology at Aarhus University and Kalø Organic Agricultural College
For more information, click here and contact
Study visit
Agrivoltaic in the rural context of Terrasini
15-17 September 2026
Sicily – Italy CoVE
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.
Day 1 – Tuesday 15 September
Territorial context & agrivoltaic systems
Introduction to the territorial context of agrivoltaics in Terrasini and Palermo province, including the climate conditions and rural landscape, and agricultural traditions and current sustainability challenges.
Technical session: Agrivoltaic systems in practice – Led by iGreen technicians
Guided visit to the experimental agrivoltaic plant
Day 2 – Wednesday 16 September
Agriculture & local economy
Visit to local agrobusiness
Agrivoltaics and rural economies, with a focus on:
- Integration of renewable energy into agricultural value chains
- Links between innovation, sustainability, and local development
- Reflection session on territorial regeneration through green technologies
Day 3 – Thursday 17 September
Social heritage, replicability & conclusions
Exploration of Danilo Dolci’s legacy, with a cultural and educational visit to Borgo Danilo Dolci and Diga dello Jato
Organisers: LAND Impresa Sociale, CESIE ETS, and CORERAS
For more information, click here and contact
Study visit
When AI gets its boots dirty: Smarter farming for a greener future
2-4 November 2026
Denmark CoVE
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.
Day 1
Field excursion & real world Climate Smart Agriculture case
Participants will explore a concrete, real-world CSA case, which will serve as the foundation for the entire training programme.
During the visit, participants will examine practical challenges, collect observations, and identify opportunities where AI could enhance decision making, sustainability, and daily workflows.
Day 2
Exploring AI technologies & digital tools for CSA
Participants will explore relevant technologies, including practical AI tools, data-driven decision support systems, and multimodal digital media. The sessions will demonstrate how these technologies can be integrated into both daily agricultural work and blended learning environments.
Participants will work hands-on with AI to analyse data, generate insights, develop educational materials, and strengthen climate-smart strategies.
Day 3
Creation, experimentation & applied practice
Participants will design their own AI-supported teaching materials, workflows, or agricultural use cases inspired by the Day 1 excursion.
They will test the technologies in practice, receive feedback, and refine their solutions, leaving with personalised action plans for integrating AI into future work.
Organiser: Green Academy
For more information, click here and contact
Price: 700 EURO (includes: course, materials, excursions, accommodation, and meals)
Deadline for registration: 24 September 2026
Job shadowing
Applied research in bioeconomy and environmental sustainability
Whenever in 2026
Spain CoVE
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.
Organiser: BETA Technological Center (Universitat de Vic)
For more information, click here and contact
Forestry job shadowing
Whenever in 2026
Spain CoVE
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.
1st day
Arrival and welcome
2nd day
Office work
3rd day
Tour
4th day
Fieldwork
5th day
Closure
Organiser: BETA Technological Center (Universitat de Vic)
For more information, click here and contact
Joshua Guacaneme Sánchez