The Erasmus+ project trAEce focused on professional training in agroecology aimed at farmers, with the main objective of promoting practices that respect the environment and sustainability. Developed between September 2019 and August 2022, the project sought to adapt the training actions to the local circumstances of each country and region. Among the results obtained, the preparation of a report that provides a common perspective for the future of agriculture and the food sector in Europe, reflecting on practices agroecological implemented and the challenges faced. The initiative emphasized the importance of vocational courses that facilitate agroecological transition from conventional farmers to more sustainable production systems.
The Erasmus+ trAEce project focused on professional training in agroecology for farmers between September 2019 and August 2022. This innovative project sought to train professionals in the agricultural sector, promoting sustainable agroecological practices, aiming at the transition from conventional methods to more sustainable and conscious agriculture. The results obtained reflect local practices and the adaptability of the proposed solutions.
trAEce Project Objectives
Training farmers was the main objective of the Erasmus+ trAEce project. The training sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement agroecological practices in its properties. Furthermore, the project aimed to promote the exchange and dissemination of knowledge between farmers and stakeholders from different regions of Europe, establishing a collaborative network for learning and exchanging experiences.
Methodology Used
The project was structured in several stages that included the investigation of existing agroecological practices, the analysis of farmers’ needs and the development of training courses adapted to the specificities of each region. The methodology included workshops, field visits and practical training sessions, allowing participants to learn through direct experiences.
Results Achieved
The final results of the trAEce project indicate a significant increase in knowledge and adoption of agroecological practices by farmers. According to the data collected, many participants reported an improvement in the management of their natural resources, a reduction in the use of chemical inputs and greater diversity in their production. The project had positive impacts on local communities, who benefited from more sustainable agriculture.
Community Impact
The training offered by the project not only improved agricultural practices, but also strengthened local communities. Farmers have become agents of change, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable practices. Furthermore, the project encouraged the creation of support groups among farmers, promoting a collaborative environment where experiences and knowledge are shared.
Future Perspectives
With the results of the trAEce project, new opportunities for development of training in agroecology are being explored. Continuing education and support for farmers is essential to ensure that the benefits achieved are maintained and expanded. Space for innovation and strengthening sustainable practices will be fundamental to the future of agriculture in Europe and beyond.
Additionally, trAEce results will be integrated into future training projects, such as the initiative +VALUE, which aims to continue training actions and support the agroecological transition. For more information about the activities and results, interested parties can access the following links: +VALORCER Project Training Actions, Vocational Training in Agroecology and trAEce Project Documents.
Final Results of the Erasmus+ trAEce Project
Actions Performed | Observed Impact |
Professional training in agroecology | Improving sustainable agricultural practices |
Workshops and seminars | Increased knowledge about agroecological techniques |
Creating networks between farmers | Strengthening local cooperation |
Development of teaching materials | Accessibility to updated information |
Shared case studies | Inspiration for innovations in agriculture |
Field visits and practices | Practical application of learned concepts |
Continuous monitoring and evaluation | Adaptation of strategies according to feedback |
The Erasmus+ trAEce project brought significant advances in training of farmers in agroecology. From September 2019 to August 2022, several activities, training and exchanges were carried out, with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the technical training of those involved. This article presents the final results of this pioneering project, which aims to transform the approach to agriculture in several regions of Europe.
Project Objectives
The main objective of the trAEce project was to develop professional training in agroecology that could be adapted to the local needs of each region. The training focused on sustainable cultivation techniques, promoting biodiversity and reducing the environmental impact caused by conventional agricultural practices.
Methodologies Used
The approaches used during the project included a combination of practical courses, workshops and field visits. The practices agroecological they were tested and debated in several communities, providing a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences between farmers from different countries.
Results Achieved
The results of the project were very encouraging. Many farmers who participated in the training reported a significant improvement in their productivity, as well as a greater ability to manage their properties in a sustainable way. Participants also expressed satisfaction with the exchange of knowledge and techniques between colleagues, contributing to a sense of community and innovation in the sector.
Long-Term Impact
In the long term, the Erasmus+ trAEce project hopes to positively impact the European agricultural sector, fostering a transition to more sustainable and efficient practices. The project’s final report, entitled “A common perspective for the future of agriculture and the food sector in Europe”, compiled all the experiences and results obtained, highlighting the importance of agroecology for food security and environmental preservation.
Useful Resources and Links
To learn more about the results and activities of the project, you can access the trAEce official page or consult the reports and analyzes available at the following links: Conclusion of the Erasmus+ Project, Experience Reports, and Analysis of the Situation of Agroecology in Portugal 2020.
- Training of conventional farmers in agroecological practices
- Professional training in agroecology for three years
- Transition to sustainable methods in agriculture
- Adaptation to the local circumstances from each region
- Connection between farmers from different European countries
- Practical results and theorists obtained in the project
- Partnership development for future initiatives training
- Promotion of agroecology as a viable alternative to the conventional model
- Positive impact in sustainability of the food chain
- Final reports about the situation of agroecology in different countries
Final Results of the Erasmus+ trAEce Project
The Erasmus+ trAEce project, which ran between September 2019 and August 2022, had as its main objective the training farmers in agroecology. This initiative aimed to promote sustainable practices and the technical knowledge necessary for the agroecological transition of conventional farmers. In this article, recommendations will be presented based on the final results obtained, which can contribute to strengthening this sector in different regions.
Development of Practical Training Programs
It is essential that training programs continue to be developed with a strong practical component. Farmers who participated in the trAEce project demonstrated increased confidence and skills when working in real farming situations. It is therefore recommended that future initiatives include practical workshops, where farmers can experiment and directly apply agroecological methodologies.
Mentoring and Monitoring
Another important recommendation is the implementation of a mentoring, where farmers who are more experienced in agroecological practices can guide newcomers. This relationship can be extremely beneficial for exchanging knowledge and solving problems related to cultivation. Monitoring must be continuous, allowing adjustments to the practices adopted according to the needs of each farmer or region.
Integration of Local Knowledge
The integration of local knowledge is fundamental to the success of agroecology in different contexts. Farmers have rich experience in their traditional practices, which must be respected and incorporated into training. Sharing experiences and techniques among local farmers can generate a collaborative learning environment, reinforcing the cultural identity and resilience of communities.
Community Involvement
To ensure that agroecological practices are deeply rooted, it is crucial to community involvement. Initiatives such as local fairs and community events can be organized for these farmers to present their products and share the knowledge they have acquired. This contributes to raising awareness among the population about the importance of agroecology and strengthens the support network among farmers.
Continuous Assessment and Feedback
The implementation of a system of continuous assessment of the practices and methods used is essential. Collecting feedback from participants will allow us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the training offered. This process should be systematic and include farmers’ opinions on which aspects were most useful and what could be improved. Using this information, future editions of the project can be improved.
Results and Contributions to Public Policies
Finally, it is important that project results are transformed into concrete contributions to public policies. This involves communicating the results obtained to policymakers and relevant organizations. Promoting policies that encourage agroecology can create a favorable environment for the adoption of these practices by a greater number of farmers, benefiting not only communities but also the environment.