The primary objective of the Green Farming project was to increase the quality, attractiveness, and relevance of vocational education in the agricultural sector through innovative, digital, and sustainability-oriented learning tools. By implementing this project, we aimed to equip VET students, teachers, and farmers with knowledge and skills in climate-smart practices, occupational health and safety, and efficient soil and machinery management. Specifically, we wanted to develop and disseminate a modular curriculum supported by VR-based training, 360° videos, and an open-access e-learning platform. Through these tools, we sought to foster safer work environments, reduce environmental impact, and promote a more modern image of agriculture. Ultimately, the project intended to contribute to the European Green Deal objectives by aligning agricultural training with ecological and digital transformation trends while also increasing the motivation of youth to engage in the agricultural profession.
The Green Farming project was developed to respond to two critical needs: (1) increasing sustainability and environmental awareness in agriculture, and (2) modernizing agricultural vocational education to better engage young learners. Unsustainable practices such as overuse of chemical fertilizers and inefficient soil cultivation threaten soil health and food safety, while the aging farmer population and declining interest in vocational agricultural education create long-term risks. The project aims to tackle these challenges by integrating digital tools (e.g. VR-based tractor training and 360° educational videos) into the VET curriculum. This approach fosters both occupational safety and environmentally friendly farming. Through cross-sector collaboration and innovative curriculum design, the project supports the EU Green Deal and contributes to enhancing the attractiveness of VET education in agriculture, while addressing the skills gap in the agricultural workforce.