Vision: Mitigating climate change by enhancing organic farming 

Under the Green Deal's Farm to Fork strategy, the European Commission has set a target of at least 25% of the EU agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. Organic farming is an environmentally friendly form of agriculture, which also contributes to the fight against climate change. Compared to conventional agriculture, the carbon footprint of organic farming is lower not only per area unit, but also per production unit. A significant increase of organic farming is needed to achieve the overall vision of the project: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and to fight climate change. 

Mission: Strengthening education in organic sector 

An increase in organic farming as significant as this can only be achieved if more farms decide to convert to organic farming. But conversion requires a considerable amount of knowledge, often new and different from established practices. The conversion process can be risky and economically challenging, which is why many conventional farmers hesitate in approaching conversion. In addition, benefits of organic farming are often unclear. This is why education on conversion to organic farming is substantial. The ETICOF aims to improve the availability of engaging and motivating education and training in the field. 

Strategy: Providing materials and concepts 

To strengthen education in organic sector, the project is creating innovative educational materials focusing on the issue of conversion to organic farming. Educational methods are based on the principles of action learning and multi-actor approach, which promotes an active role of students and supports the role of teachers and trainers as facilitators. The structure of the outputs also allows the easy creation of other follow-up materials, which can be customized according to individual needs. The results of the project simultaneously target both, higher education and, in its modified version, agricultural practice and lifelong learning education.

Source: Thüringer Ökoherz e.V.