As the climate crisis and environmental challenges reshape the future of agriculture, the need for change is clear, but how do we move from good ideas to real, on-the-ground transformation?
In the EVECSA project, we believe that excellence in vocational education stems from connection: between people, regions, institutions, and ideas. We put this commitment into practice with our recent exchange in Catalonia, where partners from across Europe came together to reflect, share, and learn from one another.
From seed-saving to soil biology, from experimental mushroom cultivation to biogas plants, the examples and insights shared by project partners showed how education, applied research, and business collaboration can drive meaningful innovation in agriculture.
The ERA – Espai de Recursos Agroecològics institute led a workshop about the vital role of seeds in ecological agriculture and how to care for them responsibly. With Terra Viva, we explored soil not just as a growing medium but as a living system, understanding its biology and discovering practical tools for farmers. We also visited the experimental fields of the Horizon Europe SEACURE Project, which tests innovative soil management practices. At Abadal, a winery nestled in a Mediterranean microclimate and surrounded by forest, we had the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the link between forestry and agriculture, and discovered how the landscape itself – with its clay and limestone soils, aromatic undergrowth, and temperature oscillations between day and night – influences the nuances and identity of their wines. All these sessions were made possible thanks to the warm hospitality of Escola Agrària de Manresa, who hosted us in their beautiful Can Poc Oli school, which allies respect for nature and student empowerment as key pillars of learning.
Despite these inspiring examples and more, a clear gap remains in equipping future professionals with the right skills. Attracting and training young people for green careers is a pressing challenge for European agriculture, and new approaches are required. The GREENVEU project, in which our knowledge partner Katapult is involved, explores how to rethink recruitment and training models to better prepare the next generation of green workers.
This powerful exchange clearly illustrated the international impact of regional efforts and the need to inform political dialogue through real experiences from the field. Through the CoVEs involved in EVECSA, we are building bridges between VET providers, researchers, policymakers, and businesses, demonstrating that collaborative innovation can be both local and systemic. The journey towards a climate-smart future is complex but full of promise and transformation.
EVECSA is funded by the ERASMUS+ project, and will last for a period of 48 months. In collaboration with Bygholm – BYGHOLM LANDBRUGSSKOLE (Denmark – Coordinator), Asmildkloster – ASMILDKLOSTER LANDBRUGSSKOLE (Denmark), Green Academy – JORDBRUGETS UDDANNELSESCENTER ARHUS (Denmark), Kalo Organic – VIDEN DJURS (Denmark), FBCD AS (Denmark), AU – AARHUS UNIVERSITET (Denmark), EAMANRESA – Departament d’Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural (Spain), BOSCAT FUSTA SL (Spain), UVic-UCC – FUNDACIO UNIVERSITARIA BALMES (Spain), CESIE ETS (Italy), LAND IMPRESA SOCIALE SRL (Italy), CORERAS – CONSORZIO REGIONALE PER LA RICERCA APPLICATA E LA SPERIMENTAZIONE (Italy), Aeres – STICHTING AERES GROEP (Holland), AFC – STICHTING AGROFOODCLUSTER (Holland), KATAPULT – STICHTING PLATFORM TALENT VOORTECHNOLOGIE (Holland), ProAgria – PROAGRIA KESKI-POHJANMAA RY (Finland), KPEDU – KESKI-POHJANMAAN KOULUTUSYHTYMA (Finland), SEDU – SEINAJOEN KOULUTUSKUNTAYHTYMA (Finland), LUAS – LAPLAND UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (Finland), Pow.ZD. – POWIAT ZDUNSKOWOLSKI (Poland), UPWr – UNIWERSYTET PRZYRODNICZY WE WROCLAWIU (Poland), Energia- ENERGIA OZ SP ZOO (Poland).
Do you want do know more about EVECSA?
Are you a VET organisation, VET staff or VET student interested in climate smart agriculture issues? Do you work for an agricultural company and would like to learn more about green skills? To learn more, contact margherita.rosi@impresasocialeland.org.