An online training platform provides tools to small and medium-sized farms who want to start a short food supply chain
Introduction to the ON-FARM Project
In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the ON-FARM project, funded through the Erasmus+ program, takes center stage as a strategic initiative designed to empower small and medium-sized farms in the European Union. The project is rooted in the recognition of the dual opportunities presented by climate change threats and the untapped potential of digital educational tools in agriculture. The project sought to leverage these factors for transnational cooperation, addressing the pressing need for sustainable solutions in agricultural production. Motivated by the desire to jump-start Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs), the initiative aimed to create a more sustainable future for the food market by directly involving small and medium-sized farmers. The absence of digital learning tools for these farmers is a critical gap that the ON-FARM project aims to fill, propelling traditional farming practices into the 21st century.
The ON-FARM project set out clear and ambitious objectives. It aims to support the growth of a resource-efficient society, healthy local landscapes, and accelerate the transition to sustainable food chain systems by providing tools to rural entrepreneurs willing to develop short food supply chain food processing. The goal of the project is to equip farmers with green skills, enabling them to initiate on-farm processing activities, adopt farm-to-fork strategies, and enhance their digital and entrepreneurial competencies.
The project unfolded within 25 months across 6 countries: the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. In this timeframe, the project developed an online training platform comprising: a white paper on short food supply chains in the European Union, 25 case studies on innovative farm-to-fork strategies and value-added productions, A series of podcasts about successful small-scale food processors and on-farm sales innovators and 6 learning modules considering all aspects of on-farm processing from digital marketing to logistics. Through the developed educational materials, the project aims to provide practical, actionable knowledge to farmers.
Online Training Platform: A Digital Gateway to ON-FARM processing
The cornerstone of the ON-FARM project's educational efforts, the online training platform is a dynamic and accessible hub designed to empower small and medium-sized farmers across the European Union. This digital space serves as a comprehensive resource, providing farmers with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to navigate the complexities of on-farm processing. Through an intuitive interface, users gain access to a wealth of materials, including a white paper, case studies, podcasts, and learning modules. Together, these elements form a practical and comprehensive online training platform, a valuable resource ready to provide farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change in their local and regional landscape.
The platform is available not only in English, but also in all national languages of the participating partners: Czech, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.
White Paper on Short Food Supply Chains in the European Union
The ON-FARM project's white paper is more than a report; it's a strategic guide that informs and guides farmers and agricultural food producers. This comprehensive document combines expert knowledge and research to address the complexities of short food supply chains in the European Union. With a focus on legislation, regulations, and government support, the white paper serves as a roadmap for understanding and overcoming challenges in on-farm processing. Several versions of the White Paper are available: transnational version as well as Czech, German, Italian, and Spanish versions.
Accessible here: https://www.onfarm.eu/training-platform/white-paper/
25 Case Studies on Innovative Farm-to-Fork Strategies
The platform also comprises a set of 25 case studies that dive into the success stories of farmers from partner countries of the project who have pioneered farm-to-fork sales and value-added productions. The case studies showcase innovative food processing techniques, highlight unusual organic products, and provide valuable insights into the challenges these farmers have overcome. Designed to inspire, these case studies offer a diverse perspective on the farm-to-fork sales model, illustrating the potential for sustainable approaches to drive the growth of the local food industry.
Accessible here: https://www.onfarm.eu/training-platform/case-studies/
ON-FARM Podcast Series
Adding a dynamic and engaging dimension to the training platform, a series of podcasts feature discussions with successful small-scale food processors and on-farm sales innovators. These audio sessions will bring you into the stories behind the successes, challenges faced, and the strategies employed by these farm-to-fork innovators. The podcasts not only serve as an educational resource but also provide a personal and relatable touch, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among farmers. Seven engaging episodes with in-depth interviews provide valuable insights into business developments: from a Colombian chef's sustainable entrepreneurship in Amsterdam to tips from experienced farmers. The podcast series serves as an accessible and dynamic supplement to the project's written materials.
Accessible here: https://www.onfarm.eu/training-platform/podcasts/
6 Learning Modules
The core of the learning platform consists of six comprehensive learning modules, each carefully designed to cover all aspects of on-farm processing. The modules are designed to be accessible, user-friendly, and aligned with the project's overarching goal of enhancing the digital and entrepreneurial competencies of farmers. Covering topics such as innovative farm-to-fork solutions, quality and traceability, partnerships in short food supply chains, digital marketing for direct sales, long-term sustainability, and adding value to farm products, each module concludes with a short self-assessment test. These modules provide a structured and systematic approach to skills development and ensure that farmers are equipped to thrive in the evolving environment of sustainable agriculture.
Accessible here: https://www.onfarm.eu/training-platform/learning-materials/
The ON-FARM “Farming, food production and food processing with added value for local small and medium-sized farmers” project has been funded with support from the European Commission, with the reference number 2021-1-CZ01-KA220-ADU-000033511. The content of the website and other produced materials reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
