- Train consultants capable of understanding the needs of production realities; - identify a useful methodology for an assessment of the sustainability (environmental, economic and social) of the livestock farm. - Identify communication strategies towards the consumer The issue of sustainability is considered a central element of economic development and is declined in at least three aspects: - Economic sustainability, that is, the maintenance for future generations of levels of consumption, affluence, utility or well-being comparable to those of today; - Environmental sustainability, meaning the consumption of resources at a rate that allows their renewal and the production of waste substances at a rate that allows their environmental reabsorption; - Socio-cultural sustainability, i.e., maintaining the requirements of peace, security, equity and social justice, poverty alleviation, human and labor rights, etc.;
UP-FARMING wanted to lead the way by dealing sustainable agricultural behaviors, which are still optional, but are likely to be regulated in the future. It has supported farms (by training consultants) in interfacing with sustainability issues and interacting with the market (suppliers, consumers, etc) The labor market is also becoming greener: throughout the EU, the demand for professionals in sustainable resource management is increasing. Therefore, appropriate training is needed to meet the new demand for sustainability-related jobs. Partners' experience has shown that small farms need an advisory figure, to support the farmer from a starting situation of little (or no) awareness of sustainability to a solid motivation, leading to improved or modified work processes. UP-FARMING has supported this process by developing a specific approach because it believes that not all sustainability analysis tools are suitable for all organizations. For this reason, the project focused on a specific sector: the meat and dairy supply chain.