Investing in the training of new generations is essential for the transition towards sustainable agriculture. The European Commission, through the European Skills Agenda, has recognized the importance of developing the right skills to tackle challenges related to the green economy, bioeconomy, and agricultural innovation. Ensuring that the workforce is adequately trained and continuously updated is key to meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving market. In this context, education policies must aim to create a lifelong learning environment capable of addressing sustainability, innovation, and resilience needs in the agricultural sector, as stated in two RELIEF policy briefs.
Aligned with this vision, RELIEF has tested innovative training paths in various local contexts, with the goal of adapting skills to territorial specificities and emerging needs in the agri-food sector. After months of preparation, needs analysis, and development of training materials, the RELIEF pilot training in Italy came to life, turning theoretical planning into concrete action in the field. This initiative involved multiple stakeholders, each with a specific approach and territorial focus. In the framework of Vocational Education and Training (VET), CESIE ETS implemented the pilot in Sicily, while D.R.E.Am Italia coordinated activities in Tuscany. In higher education, the University of Florence engaged its students along with a group of international learners.
A training program tailored to territorial and participant needs
With 92 participants across both regions, the VET pilot of the RELIEF project provided an opportunity to enhance participants’ skills in bioeconomy and sustainability. It specifically targeted students from agricultural vocational schools, addressing local needs with a tailored training offer. The training modules, selected from the RELIEF catalogue and delivered between October 2024 and January 2025, were adapted to participants’ specific requirements and local agricultural contexts. Particular attention was given to the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
In Sicily, CESIE ETS focused on two modules centered on digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation in agriculture. These modules responded to local VET providers’ needs while leveraging CESIE’s research activities on sustainable agriculture. The program, delivered in collaboration with the University of Palermo, SAAF Department, engaged students from IIS Majorana in Palermo, combining in-person lessons, e-learning modules, and work-based learning, enriched with practical content.
In Tuscany, D.R.E.Am Italia developed a program on renewable energy, organic waste reuse, and climate change. The goal was to bridge skills gaps in the sector and support the transition to more sustainable practices. Participants from the Istituto Omnicomprensivo Statale “Fanfani – Camaiti” in Pieve Santo Stefano showed strong interest in both theoretical and practical activities.
The international experience of the University of Florence
Beyond Vocational Education and Training, the academic sector also played a key role in piloting the training. The University of Florence enriched the project with an academic and international perspective, involving both Italian students and a group of international learners. This approach extended the training beyond European borders, fostering knowledge exchange and methodological collaboration with individuals from different countries.
The piloting activity took place in two phases: an in-person session in early November 2024, followed by a hybrid session in late February 2025. The latter was organized in close collaboration with the Swedish team from Mälardalen University, a RELIEF project partner.
The in-person pilot, called “RELIEF School,” aimed to test two training units developed within the RELIEF project: “Renewable energy and its application as a green agricultural energy source” and “Bioenergy and energy crops.” Over four days of face-to-face lessons, 25 participants—mainly students from the School of Agriculture and Agronomy—took part.
The hybrid session expanded the scope of the training by adding the “Climate Change” module and adopting an online format that enabled the participation of universities in China and Africa. This was made possible through collaborations with universities that have long-standing partnerships with Florence’s research groups. Around 55 participants attended, including a significant number of PhD students from the Department of Industrial Engineering.
Participants who actively engaged in seminars and completed the online courses on the RELIEF e-learning platform will receive a digital badge. This badge, issued by the University of Florence through the EUniWell micro-credential platform, will serve as tangible proof of their newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Positive outcomes for RELIEF participants
Feedback collected from participants highlighted a high level of satisfaction, with strong appreciation for the relevance and applicability of the content to their daily work.
Key takeaways from the training experience include:
- Practical training closely linked to local realities and agricultural models in each region.
- A bioeconomy- and sustainability-oriented mindset to address future challenges in the agri-food sector.
- Targeted content and hands-on experience supporting professional development in agriculture.
- Strong interest in the topics covered, with active participation from both Italian and international students, who expressed a desire for further opportunities for exchange.
RELIEF: a continuing learning experience
Following these training experiences, RELIEF continues to support learning and knowledge exchange in a dynamic and inclusive way. The e-learning platform and LinkedIn group provide spaces for ongoing discussion and collaboration, allowing anyone interested in contributing to a more sustainable agriculture to participate actively.
The RELIEF project has developed a course consisting of five modules, freely accessible through the RELIEF e-learning platform. It also fosters the exchange of best practices at national and regional levels through the Hubs—networks of stakeholders interested in rural bioeconomy. The Bioeconomy Toolkits, developed within the project, outlines the curriculum structure and the teaching methodologies adopted.
Those interested in exploring these topics further can join the LinkedIn groups, dedicated spaces for professionals, sector operators, experts, and enthusiasts of rural bioeconomy. These groups provide opportunities to connect with other local actors, share experiences, participate in workshops and training programs, and contribute to transforming agriculture into an increasingly sustainable and innovative model.
For further information contact Caterina Impastato: caterina.impastato@cesie.org.
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.
Partner
- 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.
