The GrandFriend project promotes sustainable farming by connecting older and new agro-entrepreneurs through intergenerational programs. It fosters entrepreneurial skills, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing to address challenges, including those from the pandemic. GrandFriend encourages civic engagement among older farmers and boosts youth participation in sustainable agriculture. Lifelong Learning Institutes, trainers, and stakeholders contribute by exchanging knowledge and providing practical solutions to intergenerational issues. Three key deliverables drive measurable outcomes: a comprehensive guidebook highlighting the benefits of intergenerational programs, the GrandFriend Digital Game for interactive learning and promoting green farming, and AgroLabs with tailored lessons on sustainable practices and business planning. Aligned with environmental priorities, GrandFriend raises awareness of sustainable agriculture and fosters eco-conscious behavior. It also improves adult learning opportunities through flexible, blended, and digital tools. The digital game and online modules provide experiential learning, helping agro-entrepreneurs apply knowledge, grow professionally, and support sustainability goals.
Reason The GrandFriend project tackles sustainability and societal challenges through green practices and intergenerational collaboration. It addresses environmental issues while promoting inclusive education. The Green Deal aims for climate neutrality by 2050, but aging farmers and limited green reskilling hinder progress. The pandemic highlighted the need for ongoing, non-formal education in sustainable practices. GrandFriend addresses senior isolation by connecting them with young agro-entrepreneurs. Green entrepreneurship and knowledge-sharing offer a comprehensive solution to environmental and social challenges. Needs -Europe's farming sector lacks green upskilling. The project fosters sustainable practices and entrepreneurship. -With aging farmers, the project ensures knowledge transfer through intergenerational programs. -The pandemic highlighted teaching needs. The project introduces game-based and non-formal learning. -Seniors overcome isolation via knowledge-sharing activities. -GrandFriend provides mentorship and programs to attract youth to farming. -It bridges generational divides in regions like Poland through collaborative activities. -GrandFriend delivers AI-driven, climate-focused training for all generations.