Project “Knowledge based farming”

16 young farmers from Macedonia visit the Netherlands in order to enhance their employability and participation in the labour market

In organization of the Foundation Agro-Centre for Education, as a sending organization, as part of the EU Livelong learning program - Leonardo da Vinci Mobility action, group of 16 young farmers having a diploma or degree relevant for agriculture, between 18 and 40 years old in search of first employment or unemployed, or already work on their own family farm, visited Netherlands. They employ an amazing training experience, which involve theoretical and practical training in a company/ on-farm, as well as an exceptional study tour through Holland. Selection of the participants was made in close cooperation with Federation of Farmers in Republic of Macedonia (FFRM) and their Network of young farmers.

The host organisations were two Dutch experienced practical training institutions: University of applied science CAH Vilentum from Dronten and Horti Match Holland from Bennekom.

The two week program was implemented from 23th of September to 06th of October this year. This training was tailored for the two groups divided according to the generally two types of farmers: Horticulturist and Livestock breeders. The training program was focused on the key-issues in modern agriculture: chain-management, quality systems, certification, tracking & tracing, Dutch IPM/crop protection system, residue reduction, and food safety and certification systems like Global-GAP. Also, the program has focus on practical on-site training implemented in PTC+ in Ede using agricultural mechanisation and on-site training on two private Farms (Dairy cattle farm - Remeke and strawberry farm - Aardbai extra).

They also visit several innovative companies and organisations related to agriculture. As example, Groene Schuur Groessen company who produces more than 200 so-called ‘forgotten vegetables’ focusing on niche-markets like specialized shops and top-restaurants where only best taste is good enough. Great opportunity for participants was to visit one of the biggest horticulture exhibitions in Venlo – Floriade 2012. The Floriade is an event with international allure and as illustration CNN believes it's a 'must-see' in 2012. An event drawing visitors from around the world.