Erasmus+ project “Viability of small farms managed by young farmers under new “farm-to-fork” strategy”
The International Consortium succeeded in the 2020 call of the Erasmus + program, key action – Strategic partnerships in higher education. Czech University of Life Science in Prague together with the partners succeeded in a project “Viability of small farms managed by young farmers under new “farm-to-fork” strategy” (Grant agreement: 2020-1-CZ01-KA203-078495) focused on the long-term viability of small farms managed by young farmers in the context of the new EU strategy “From farm-to-fork”, which is part of the ambitious Green Deal for Europe.
The target group of the project is young farmers, students of agricultural and rural development study programs and the professional society in the agricultural and food sector. The project will identify and describe examples of good practice that will inspire, increase motivation undertake farming activities, enable new and experienced farmers to operate, produce higher value-added products, generate higher incomes, reduce administrative burdens, choose a short supply chain strategy and more.
The content of the project includes the characteristics of small farms managed by young farmers, the definition of their functions (economic, industrial, technical, social, cultural and ecological), the assessment of the situation of farms at national and international level, the characteristics of critical risk points and risk reduction strategies. The impact of changes in agricultural policy and legislation on the activities of individual entities will be simulated by a software solution developed by the Project partners.
The international team will prepare an overview and evaluation of the current and new Agricultural and Rural Development policies of the consortium countries for young farmers on small farms. Examples of good practice will be presented in collaboration across the food value chain to contribute to the long-term viability of farms. Electronic tools will be developed to enable effective economic planning and decision-making.
In the project participating university partners from Poland (Poznan University of Life Sciences), Slovakia (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra), Lithuania (Vytautas Magnus University) and Hungary (University of Szeged) are participating in the project. The connection of the academic with the practice is provided by associations representing young farmers – the Young Agrarians Society of the Czech Republic, the Polish Związek Młodzieży Wiejskiej and the Association of Slovakian Young Farmers (ASYF).
Lithuanian partnership and activities in the project is being developed by Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Department of Business and Rural Development Management, researchers Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, Dr. Jurgita Zaleckienė and Dr. Ilona Kiaušienė.
