AGRIFOOD4FUTURE

AGRIFOOD4FUTURE, an ERASMUS+ project, aims to transform the agri-food sector’s vocational education by building skills and programs that address the future needs of agriculture. By connecting top European actors from VET, academia, research, and industry in traditional agri-food regions, the project will create Centers of Vocational Excellence to meet the sector’s priorities in digitalization, decarbonization, and sustainability. The initiative addresses challenges to large-scale adoption of innovative practices, such as climate-smart and precision agriculture, by overcoming barriers like limited awareness, skills gaps, and a conservative mindset. AGRIFOOD4FUTURE will establish a training framework across all EQF levels, offering lifelong learning for farmers, SMEs, and agrifood stakeholders, equipping them with technical, soft, and entrepreneurial skills.

The AGRIFOOD4FUTURE project is designed around four of the main drivers of change in the industry:

Pillar 1: Digital transition - Digitalization towards increased efficiency & productivity
Pillar 2: Green transition – decarbonization and climate & energysmart agriculture
Pillar 3: Resilience and sustainable food systems
Pillar 4: Business sustainability through new business models and resources valorization

The AGRIFOOD4FUTURE project aims to transform the agri-food Vocational Education and Training (VET) ecosystem by creating a network of Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across six European countries: Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and Belgium. The project unites four Centers of Vocational Excellence along with national consortia, involving over 20 partners across 4-5 EU countries. This consortium promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders, including VET providers (spanning EQF levels 3-8), universities, research and technology organizations (RTOs), agri-food industry platforms, SMEs, Chambers of Commerce, and more. This network will identify, develop, and implement innovative solutions to elevate VET program quality across Europe, strengthen cooperation within the "knowledge triangle," and provide lasting support for entrepreneurs and businesses in smart farming and sustainable food systems. Through multi-level, collaborative methods among VET providers, business leaders, and research institutions, the project will enhance skills intelligence, co-create VET programs, and promote innovation strategies at local and regional scales.

In this context, an assessment of skills will be carried out, an appropriate framework will be created for cooperation and networking between, with the aim of creating permanent partnerships. The aim of these collaborations will be to develop innovative education programs and training in the field of smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.