The project primarily aimed to strengthen the role of farmers' markets as key tools for a more sustainable food distribution system, in line with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. The central objective was to reduce the digital divide among farmers by providing them with essential skills and tools for digital farming, which are crucial for innovation and sustainability in the sector. This was achieved through the development of an asynchronous platform and the creation of a suite of professional training materials. Both the platform and the content were co-designed with the collaboration of 12 market operators and 6 farmers. This ensured that the platform's functionalities effectively addressed the needs expressed by industry stakeholders. Additionally, using the aforementioned tools, the project aimed to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural production system. An important focus was also on promoting awareness of the Erasmus+ program and the opportunities it offers.
The proposal comes from an analysis conducted in 2022 by the World Farmers Markets Coalition, in collaboration with the "Udruga Hrvatskih Tržnica" and "Xarxa de Consum Solidari" associations, which focus on global food systems. This analysis highlighted the need to promote more sustainable production models, such as farmers' markets. The project aims to make the sector more competitive by bridging the digital divide that is still widespread in agriculture, facilitating access to qualified training designed to be accessible in both delivery and content, specifically regarding farmers' markets. This initiative addresses the need to build a culture of sharing and continuous improvement—essential elements for tackling modern agricultural challenges. In this context, the promotion of the Erasmus+ program has become a key tool for generating these opportunities. Additionally, it has been an opportunity to create partnerships among local, national, and international stakeholders for exchanging knowledge, resources, and best practices aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses. These alliances are crucial for participating in community projects that support the agricultural sector.