Despite the fact that the Greek agricultural sector has experienced the negative consequences of the economic crisis that our country is suffering in recent years, it still remains an important area of economic activity and employment, with exports of agricultural products accounting for 1/3 of total exports of Greece. Greek land offers a wide variety of Greek foods such as fruits, vegetables, olive oil, flour products, honey, cereals and many other products that meet all European and global requirements with appropriate standardization and quality control. Greek farmers claim to have a high friendly environmental consciousness and rely on technology, making the best use of it. However, their vocational training is necessary in order to acquire specialized technical skills and to be able to upgrade their know-how and constantly adapt to changes in the economic and social environment.
The necessity for young farmers, in particular, for “targeted” education on specific issues of agricultural production has emerged, which will also be related to the local characteristics and needs of the region’s producers. Education and training of Greek farmers will strengthen their profile, lead to strengthening their competitive advantage and improve their productivity and profitability. In general, farmers, and especially young farmers, need specialized training on the crops they choose, as well as the direction for the production of quality agricultural products that meet market requirements, protect the environment and deal with the management of the soil and water.
Institute of Entrepreneurship Development attended the first meeting held in Madrid under the European project entitled “Grow Green – KA2 Strategic Partnership for Youth“, seizing the opportunity to discuss with the project partners from Cyprus and Spain on issues regarding education and the entrepreneurship on the agricultural sector. The aim of the project is to create an e-learning platform as well as a series of educational videos informing young people about the trends of the agricultural market and the business environment of agriculture by improving their knowledge and skills in order to strengthen the rural and their environmental profile. At the same time, the project seeks to highlight good practices and special educational methods in the agricultural sector to motivate young people to participate in it, encouraging the development of potential and future partnerships through which new initiatives will be developed between experienced farmers and new entrants. Another objective of the project is to make young farmers aware of how they can develop and implement innovative farming practices.
