Summary

The regional rural network of Silesia in Poland organised a study tour to Scotland in order to raise awareness and improve the skills of young people, farmers, advisory services and local authority staff from their region on educational and organic farming.

Significant effort was made to identify suitable participants. In a second stage, interesting farms in Scotland were identified to provide a variety of different perspectives. These covered aspects such as working with children and youth, animal breeding, and organic production of fruits, vegetables and cereals. The study tour included discussions and presentations on the organisation and structure of the farms as well as their financing.

Results

25 participants – mostly from the farming community - took part in the five-day study tour held 11-15 October 2016.

The participants visited five a forest area and farms including two large dairy farms working with children, a farm specialising in organic production, education and tourism and a farm breeding wild boar and running educational visits.

The tour provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices and promote networking and future cooperation between Polish and Scottish farmers.