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New online training tool for organic farming advisers

A woman is sitting at a table in front of a computer screen.

The new training tool is aimed at advisers who already have a basic understanding of organic farming. (Photo: IFOAM Organics Europe)

FiBL has launched ten online learning pathways for organic farming advisers. An international team developed them as part of the EU project OrganicAdviceNetwork, bringing together knowledge and practical experience from across Europe. The learning pathways are a training method designed to deepen specialist knowledge and develop advisory skills. They are now available free of charge and can be completed at your own pace.

Advisers play a key role when farms convert to organic production or seek to further develop their production. This is where the Horizon Europe project OrganicAdviceNetwork comes in: it connects the organic advisory sector across Europe and creates new professional development opportunities. It is funded by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Expertise and advisory methods

The new training tool is aimed at advisers who already have a basic understanding of organic farming. Five of the learning pathways provide in-depth knowledge in specific production areas:

  • Arable farming
  • Field vegetable growing
  • Fruit growing
  • Viticulture
  • Dairy cattle feeding

Five further learning pathways are dedicated to various advisory topics, enabling advisers to provide effective support to agricultural holdings. The topics are:

  • Communication in advisory work
  • Group advisory services
  • Supporting innovation processes
  • Sharing and jointly developing knowledge
  • Women in agriculture and gender-sensitive advisory services

Flexible learning, sharing ideas

Each learning pathway involves around ten to twelve hours of work and is closely geared towards advisory practice. It alternates between texts, videos and interactive exercises. Participants can work through the learning pathways independently or join study groups to discuss experiences and challenges from their advisory practice. Those who complete the final self-assessment will receive a certificate.

A European collaborative project

FiBL developed the overall concept for the learning pathways and was responsible for their technical implementation. The content was developed by project partners from four European countries, each specialising in their respective fields.

The learning pathways are available free of charge on the organicadvicenetwork.space platform, currently in English. Translations into up to nine European languages, including German and French, are due to follow by the end of 2027.

Registering on the platform once also grants access to other resources offered by the project, such as the introductory course on organic farming.

Further information

Contact

Links

OrganicAdviceNetwork is funded by the European Union (Grant No. 101134850) and the SBFI. The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Swiss authorities.