The scope of this project is to develop and deliver a customised e-training program to all stakeholders across the supply chain of grains (employees, managers, farmers, producers, transporters) in four Euro-med countries (Greece, Spain, Portugal & Cyprus), based on an extended survey detecting their training needs. Building on the integration of the knowledge triangle (higher education, research and business), a training requirements survey mapping the current skills & competencies profiles of the logisticians in alignment with the best practices provided by the cereal and rice sector professionals, will lay the foundation for the e-training program for the grain supply chain. Distance learning program will incorporate various areas of interest such as green logistics, sustainable development, precision agri-culture, organic farming and rural tourism acknowledging cultural diversity in the targeted countries. In addition, a qualification framework will be proposed for the grain logistics sector. Green logistics and grain sector were selected to set the framework of this project, because of their strategic importance in the regional and national economy of these Euro-med Countries. These countries are struggling to find ways to overcome financial crisis, and supporting evidence indicate that logistics and agri-culture may be the springboard for their growth. In 2007, a cereals crisis emerged, and then the European Agricultural Economies realized the cereals logistics effect on their survival. More specifically, the proposed e-training material will be a specialized instrument, it will foster the assessment of transversal skills (qualification framework), promote the take -up of practical entrepreneurship experience in training, and support the adoption of OER (Open Educational Resources) in diverse EU language. The applicant (Greece) is a HEI specialized in logistics and e-learning, active in EU projects participation, significant networking on local, regional level. The second greek partner as an Institute will be supported by University professors, has a strong cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Greece and will exploit experts , in EU agricultural policy, Hellenic National Agricultural Research, Communication, Marketing, logistics. The greek partnership is strengthened by the participation of the leading SME in rice/cereal production, exploitation, distribution and trading. The Portuguese, Spanish and Cyprus partners have a strong experience in e-training, research, management and successful implementation of EU-funded projects, represent countries with strong tradition in rice/cereal production and have a good cooperation with national oil associations. The organization of the project will assure it on all aspects of quality, cost and time. Risk management tools will be implemented. The 2-year project will implement activities: partners transnational meetings for organizational, evaluation purposes, conferences for information, awareness raising, e-training of trainees and trainers on issues of rice/cereal sector logistics, web platform, e-survey, sector mapping, training material, specialized guidelines, documentary, printed material, cooperation between national-regional authorities to promote the development of education and training and their integration in actions of local and regional development. Preparatory work will be done on skills and qualifications validation (ECVET). A concise dissemination and exploitation plan will be implemented including all necessary information, publicity and dissemination activities (Project branding, logos, e-communication, press, printed material, visits). Results, impacts envisaged :Awareness raising/information on optimized logistics, access to tools for effectively developing business in national/ international markets (training, networking), for participants increased experience , exchange of good practices, communication, collaboration and networking (national/European). Potential longer term benefits: practices enhancement, covering of potential consumers/end –users values and needs, opportunities for promotion of relevant scopes, enhancement of presence, promotion of services, achievement of goals for participating entities strengthening of competence, cooperation and rural economy mainly of EU Mediterranean area, contribution to the implementation of national, regional and European policies, fresh entrepreneurship ideas, new jobs opportunities, enhanced efficiency of logistical facilities. Activities and results that are planned to be maintained after the end of the EU funding include continuing of further dissemination and networking (partners’ webpages, follow up with partners’ associates, customers and relevant stakeholders, relevant media, articles, developing ideas for future cooperation based on current project, assessing the impact on target groups, implementation of ECVET procedures.
The scope of the project is to develop and deliver a customised e-learning program to all interested parties in the agri-food supply chain focusing on cereals and rice (workers, supervisors, managers, farmers, producers, carriers, supply chain companies, warehousing and packaging companies, packing and freight forwarders, etc) in four Euro-Mediterranean countries (Greece, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus). Green logistics and grain sector were selected to set the framework of this project, because of their strategic importance in the regional and national economy . These countries are struggling to find ways to overcome financial crisis and quest sustainable growth. Towards this direction, supporting evidence indicate that logistics and agriculture may be the springboard for their growth. The coordinator, Department of Logistics Management (DLM, TEI of Sterea Ellada, Greece) is a HEI and its faculty members possess deep academic and business expertise in logistics, supply chain management, skills development, VET and e-learning. It is active in significant extended networks on local, regional and European level. EIEO (Greece) is an Institute focused on education and training in the field of agriculture, and develops expertise in EU agricultural policy, and precision agriculture. SEEDYZ (Greece) is a member of COCERAL (European association representing the trade in cereals, rice, feedstuffs, oilseeds, olive oil, oils and fats and agrosupply) and has a variety of members covering the whole cereals supply chain, providing valuable experience in transferring the scientific knowledge to practice and VET. SODEBUR (Spain) is a public body, which provides services to the Province of Burgos and its municipalities, and works to promote social and economical development of the Province. SODEBUR has a wide experience in the communication, dialogue and exchange with the most important entities, administrations and stakeholders at provincial, regional and national level. IAPA(Cyprus ) is a Non Governmental Organisation which has developed serious expertise on the field of rural and regional development in Cypriot agriculture. IPC (Portugal) delivers graduate studies in various fields, including business administration, communication and information science, and agricultural sciences, and has grounded long-term partnerships with private enterprises, public entities (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture) and other HEIs at the national and international level. Building on the integration of the knowledge triangle (higher education, research and business), training requirements surveys charting the current skills & competencies profiles of the logisticians in alignment with the best practices provided by the cereal and rice sector professionals, lay the foundation for the e-training program for the agrifood supply chain. Additionally, mapping the cereal and rice sector, as well as the collection of best practices in green logistics, guided the identification of project’s outcomes potential users (target groups). In particular, two field surveys were conducted, adopting qualitative and quantitative research methods (personal interviews, structured questionnaires, online survey tools). Findings grounded stakeholders’ skills profiling in the agri-food supply chain, and pointed out the lack of specific categories of skills and competencies in order to achieve higher performance . Thus, results guided project’s training curriculum content in four languages (English, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese) grouped in three distinct categories of skills and competencies: (i) Green logistics and operational skills in agro-food sector; (ii) Organisational skills (iii) ICT skills and competencies. The training program is completed with the evaluation which leads to the awarding of certificate of attendance by the TEISTE in alignment with ECVET guidelines. In addition, a trainer guide has been developed to support learners as facilitators for the creation of business networks and clusters. Moreover, a Documentary about the Journey of seeds was created (from crop to fork) to disseminate project's results and raise public awareness. The development and identification of best practices in the supply chain enhances awareness and highlight the importance of this sector. Consequently, aligning e-learning with national policies & strategies may secure sustainable growth as an asset for local and national economies. At the same time, cultivating a culture of distance learning among young farmers, workers, managers and entrepreneurs also brings multiplier benefits to the agri-food industry as it can easily be adapted and transmitted to other sectors. In this context, entrepreneurship is fostered and the involvement of young people (students, farmers, business managers and scientists) is strengthened by improving the quality of work through effective training actions and cross-border cooperation.