Bioeconomy offers innovative approaches to integrate more efficient and responsible agricultural practices. In this context, RELIEF has worked to facilitate the acquisition of specific skills, addressing the challenges of an agri-food sector increasingly oriented towards sustainability. Over the course of three years, we developed and tested a targeted training offer, supporting students, farmers, trainers, and educators in Italy, Greece, Sweden, and Portugal, strengthening their skills and promoting collaboration among different sector actors.
Training resources and practical tools
The RELIEF team co-developed an innovative learning pathway on bioeconomy in agriculture, with modules available both online and in person. The training covers:
- Agricultural Sustainability
- Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
- Bio-economy, Circular Economy, and Bio-Based Products
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Horizontal Skills
The programme was tested in pilot activities involving more than 450 people. Thanks to a combination of classroom lessons, work-based learning, digital content and on-site experiences, the training promoted inclusive access to knowledge.
The RELIEF e-learning platform complemented in-person and work-based training by offering interactive digital modules, multimedia materials, and gamified activities designed to make learning more engaging and accessible. Learners could explore concepts at their own pace, revisit key content, and test their knowledge through quizzes, real-world case studies, and short games—an approach particularly appreciated by younger participants and those with limited previous exposure to bioeconomy-related topics.
What changed on the ground?
The pilots addressed different dimensions of the green transition, shaped by local contexts. In Portugal, learners explored regenerative agriculture; in Italy, smart farming technologies. In Sweden, the focus was on circular economy and green skills, while in Greece, training centred on composting and agriculture in controlled environments. Participants applied their knowledge in real-life settings, gaining confidence and a clearer view of how bioeconomy links to daily farming.
Many trainers also reported increased awareness of the need to update VET offers in agriculture, aligning them more closely with environmental and socio-economic challenges.
From local actions to system-level change
Beyond capacity building, the project produced a set of policy recommendations aimed at supporting bioeconomy education at regional and EU level. These include proposals for:
- embedding bioeconomy in national VET strategies;
- fostering cross-sectoral collaboration between education, research and business;
- creating local and national Bioeconomy Hubs.
RELIEF also helped establish national rural bioeconomy hubs in each partner country, bringing together training providers, farmers, decision makers and students. These spaces will remain active after the project’s end, supporting knowledge-sharing and cooperation in the long term.
Invitation to the Final Conference
The RELIEF project will conclude with its final conference, taking place on 20–21 May 2025 at the University of Peloponnese, Antikalamos Campus, in Kalamata, Greece.
This event will present the key results of the project, focusing on innovative bioeconomy training pathways and their impact across Italy, Greece, Sweden, and Portugal. Attendees will have the chance to discover insights from pilot training activities and work-based learning, engage with experts and stakeholders in the agri-food sector, discuss recommendations for integrating bioeconomy into agricultural education and EU policies.
Keynote Speakers include:
- Prof. Panagiotis Liargovas, Chairman of the Board of KEPE and the National Productivity Board
- Prof. Georgios Zakynthinos, Professor at the University of Western Attica
Further details on the program and registration will be available soon.
What comes next?
RELIEF’s impact goes beyond the pilot phase. Throughout the training journey, local multi-actor networks took shape—bringing together VET providers, farms, research centres, and public institutions. These collaborations are now being strengthened through the creation of local Hubs, envisioned as spaces for ongoing exchange, innovation, and skills development in agricultural bioeconomy.
The project’s final conference will offer a space to reflect on achievements, collect feedback, and shape the future of the RELIEF Hubs together with stakeholders.
RELIEF leaves a meaningful legacy: a set of tested tools, training approaches, and partnerships that can continue to support rural communities and vocational education actors. All learning materials and resources remain accessible on the project website, paving the way for future use and adaptation.
About RELIEF
RELIEF – euRopean bio-Economy aLliancE in Farming is a project funded by the European Union that aims to develop an innovative approach to teaching bioeconomy in agriculture, providing specific educational resources for professionals in the sector.
Partners
- UOP – University of Peloponnese (Greece, coordinator)
- ReadLab P.C. (Greece)
- OTC – Olympic Training & Consulting LTD (Greece)
- CERTH – Centre for Research and Technology Hellas Greece (Greece)
- UNIFI – Università degli Studi di Firenze (Italy)
- Terinov (Portugal)
- Innovade LI (Cyprus)
- MDU – Mälardalen (Sweden)
- UAc – Universidade Dos Acores (Portugal)
- Dream (Italy)
- SwIdeas (Sweden)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
For further information
Read about RELIEF, visit the website https://relief.uop.gr/ and follow us on Facebook and Linkedin.
Contact Caterina Impastato: caterina.impastato@cesie.org.
