Reshaping agri-food education in Europe

23 partners across 7 Member States unite to innovate EU agri-food education in a groundbreaking European initiative

Agrifood4Future (AF4F) stands as a transformative €3.4 million Erasmus+ initiative, poised to redefine Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education in the European agrifood sector. With 23 partners from seven Member States, this project embarks on a mission to cultivate the skills needed for tomorrow’s agriculture. Focused on digitalization, decarbonization, and sustainability, AF4F aims to align educational practices with the evolving demands and challenges of the agri-food sector through 2027. Unveiling Innovations in Agri-Food Practices In its initial phase, AF4F’s expert organizatiions identified cutting-edge farming practices that promise to revolutionize the sector in Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Italy and Greece. As we step into the crucial stages of creating innovative teaching programs, each participating country brings its unique agricultural innovations to the forefront – be it Italy’s advanced digital farming techniques, Portugal’s sustainable use of microalgae that reduces the need for fertile land, or Spain’s progressive water management strategies. These insights not only inform the development of new curricula but are also deeply aligned with the EU’s strategic visions like the European Green Deal (and its ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodoversity 2030’ strategies), the New European Innovation Strategy, or the Pact for Skills, of which the consortium is a signatory. Expansive Geographic and Methodological Reach This foundational study, titled ‘Finding report on the state-of-the-art and knowledge‘ and available on the project’s website, encompasses a diverse geographical scope. It ensures a comprehensive portrayal of agricultural best practices across various regions, highlighting the educational needs essential for advancing and sustaining these innovations. Through robust methodological framework, the AF4F project maps out a pathway for integrating these innovations into educational frameworks, setting a precedent for future agricultural education across Europe. Strategic Insights and Open Invitation The findings of this report are intended to contribute to future educational developments within the agri-food sector. We encourage educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to review the comprehensive insights provided, which not only outline innovative practices but also sketch potential new business models that could shape the future of European agriculture. Engage and Explore Further As we advance into the next phases of the Agrifood4Future project, we invite all stakeholders to stay tuned and eagerly explore how transforming education in agrifood is an essential step to ensuring that we can continue to unfold and adopt innovations that will enhance our food security, environmental protection, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets. Detailed updates and insights will be progressively shared through our platform. Join us on this critical journey, where your curiosity and engagement are vital to shaping a sustainable and forward-thinking European agri-food sector. Bernardo Aguiar and Vagner Morais BGT Consulting Group – An AF4F Consortium Participant