Thematic Group on Nurturing Skills for a Thriving and Sustainable Agricultural Sector
The agricultural sector is the backbone of many rural economies, and EU farmers recognise the utmost importance of developing and updating skills in agriculture amidst the numerous challenges they face.
By acquiring knowledge in fields such as sustainable practices, animal welfare, precision farming, market diversification and work safety, farmers can effectively adapt to market demands, optimise production efficiency, mitigate environmental impact and improve their working conditions. It is equally vital for farmers to possess business acumen, communication and marketing skills, and an understanding of evolving consumer demands.
All in all, strengthening their position within the food supply chain requires commitment to continuous learning and training. In this respect, collaboration among various actors in the supply chain, such as processors, distributors, and retailers, also in the context of producers and interbranch organisations, plays a critical role in empowering farmers.
This Thematic Group aims to explore needs and opportunities related to agricultural skills development and their updating, with a focus on the agricultural workforce and on the (new) skills needed to strengthen farmers in the food-supply chain.
The objectives of this TG are to:
- Identify specific priority skill needs for farmers and for those employed in agriculture, including those skills related to new demands from society and the market, where skills can be accessed, and “providers” identified (including how producer organisations and interbranch organisations can encourage the exchange of skills and sharing of knowledge);
- Discuss the potential of CAP Strategic Plans contributions to interventions for upskilling and reskilling, in order to formulate action-oriented recommendations for policy-makers at the EU and national level;
- Explore the potential of other funds and initiatives (beyond the CAP) to enhance the development and provision of relevant skills;
- Provide a space for people working in agriculture - both self-employed and employed – to share real life experiences, their expectations and challenges in terms of skills development, training and rewarding career development opportunities.
If you have any question, please contact us at thematicgroup1@eucapnetwork.eu.
Thematic Group meetings
Resources
Thematic Group (TG) on Nurturing Skills for a Thriving and Sustainable Agricultural Sector - List of TG members
(PDF – 110.38 KB)
Thematic Group (TG) on Nurturing Skills for a Thriving and Sustainable Agricultural Sector - Background paper
(PDF – 167.84 KB)
