The project aimed to create a digital skills vocational training model for individuals in the agri-food sector residing in rural areas. Through project implementation the partnership aimed to: i) develop an innovative upskilling pathway tailored for people engaged in the agri-food sector; ii) enhance digital competencies among primary target groups – farmers, workers of the agri-food sector etc.. iii) promote the use of EUROPASS as a means for participants to record their skills and experiences; iv) establish a digital repository of OERs specifically designed to fulfill the digital skill needs of individuals working in the agri-food sector and residing in rural areas; v) support VET teachers and trainers in creating and utilizing their materials through a model that employs learning scenarios; vi) diminish the digital divide in rural Europe via non-formal and informal educational approaches, and vii) advocate lifelong learning in rural regions as a mechanism for socio-economic advancement. Through above mentioned detailed aims, the overall goal of the project was to contribute to bridging the digital divide, fostering lifelong learning, and supporting socio-economic development in Europe's rural areas.
Applying for the Digital Skills for Agriculture project was motivated by a recognition of the need to bridge the digital divide in the agricultural sector and to equip those involved with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Declaration's vision for a digitized, empowered rural Europe. It underscores the importance of digital tools in overcoming agricultural challenges, ensuring all European industries, regardless of size or location, can leverage digital advancements for better products, processes, and business models. However, the OECD warns of unequal benefits distribution due to digitalization, impacting labor structures and requiring new skills. The project aimed to address several key needs identified in the EIP-AGRI report - New skills for digital farming (2020): focusing on openness, management, communication, bridging gaps, and digital proficiency to navigate the digital shift effectively.