FarmTech Society (FTS) was invited to the final event for the Digital SEED Project, on 2021 September 8th in Ghent & 9th in Brussels. Coordinated by EGInA*, the SEED Project is the result of an Erasmus+ Grant Application submitted in 2018.
“Training in Agriculture is like the Wild West”
The Smart Entrepreneurial Education and training in Digital farming – SEED project develops skills in agriculture by introducing a digital transformation in the profession The overall impact envisaged is not only to design a joint qualification in VET, and foster transparency, comparability and recognition of qualification, but also to set up a new sustainable cooperation among partners, in order to create long-term synergies.
This is where Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) can play a key role as the industry already has a long track record of digital transformations and innovative technologies being applied, spanning from automation, data collection systems, to Internet of Things, & A.I.
Thomas Zöllner, FTS’ Secretary General, was invited as a keynote speaker to present the talent and human-resources hurdles to the upscaling of the industry, as well as the unique opportunities it can offer to the wider green and digital transitions in agriculture, in Europe and the world.
“Training in Agriculture is like the Wild West” — There is a need to establish recognized and transferable skills and credentials needed in the CEA industry, such as hydroponics technicians, across different countries. These VET infrastructures and facilities should also ensure the honing of green and digital skills to the razor’s edge, imperative for the green and digital transitions.
This is why this week FTS has filed to Erasmus+ Grant Applications, in collaboration with EGInA. The two projects—KA2 Alliance for Innovation & KA2 Centers for Vocational Excellence—aim to design a qualification in VET in the CEA industry & innovative digital farming. Offering online curriculum, specialization courses, and work-based learning components, these two grants are bound to meet the education needs of the CEA sector, boost the knowledge transfer for businesses and the green transition, and build long-lasting networks of CEA growers and stakeholders.
