<< Objectives >>Occupational profiles of employees to be employed in the agricultural sector will be strengthened. Skills related to agricultural practices will be shaped according to the needs of the labor marketDeveloping strategies for adaptation to agriculture in climate change, increasing the qualifications and innovativeness of vocational teachersEnsuring the development of environmentally responsible behaviors and green skillsIncreasing international capacity in sustainability practices in agriculture<< Implementation >>The project includes the following activities:-Journey to Organic Agriculture-Developing Climate Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture Lessons-Agroecological Transformation in Sustainability-We Recycle for a Clean Future in Agriculture<< Results >>At the end of the project;-Strengthening occupational profiles in sustainable agricultural practices in partner institutions,-To support the development of skills needed in the labor market,-Contributing to innovation in vocational education and training,-To increase the climate literacy behaviors of staff and students in partner institutions,To increase the capacity of VET providers to carry out high-quality mobility projects and internationalization strategies.

Organic farming is a rapidly increasing economic sector and it makes an important contribution to human health, the planet and the economy. There is clear evidence about the success of organic farming in terms of health, prosperity, the benefits to soil and water, and the ability of organic farming to mitigate damage from global climate change. Organic farming can also contribute to meaningful socioeconomic and ecologically sustainable development, especially in poorer countries. It can also contribute to improving the livelihood of smallholders, as it generates higher incomes and involves less risk. Organic farming will motivate farmers to invest in their future: in capacity-building, in production, processing, marketing, brand development and outreach. Organic agriculture can have a strong positive impact on the North Macedonian economy and is good for job creation. Rural parts of North Macedonia is blessed by having all the necessary weather conditions, soil, clean air and water for the production of excellent products. Organic farming in North Macedonia does not have a greater tradition, given the fact that the first Law on Organic Agricultural Production was adopted in 2004. A major obstacle for developing this economic sector in North Macedonia is limited availability of education in organic agriculture. This project aims to make education in organic agriculture available to unemployed persons or those already working, but want to convert from conventional agriculture to organic. The greatest constraints faced by farmers on the road to organic agriculture are lack of knowledge, access to markets, certification, and lack of organization. Greater investment in education, developing an organic curriculum, capacity-building, accessible local certification schemes and harmonized standards, organic market initiatives, fair trade relationships and inspiring partnerships can help overcoming these constraints. Developing these tools and services in such a way to enable participatory learning processes will lead to sustainable innovation within the local rural communities and thereby contribute to sustainable development. The project will involve adult education course providers, representatives from agriculture sector, local CSOs working in the field of organic farming, environment and ecology. This project will promote innovation in the field of organic farming and as a result it will increase the employment and people’s capacity resulting in rapidly changing management quality in organic agriculture sector. Activities will include creation of a baseline study that will include statistical data on unemployment, the potentials for organic farming in Macedonia and other countries partners in the project, quantitative data on number of organic farmers by regions and by municipalities, extent of arable soil, etc. Other activities will be trainings with adult education course providers; creation of a Practical handbook on Organic Farming and marketing, development of an organic production base that will be published online on a specially designed website. Most importantly, this projects aims to create organic curriculum that will be a final product and will be used by adult course educators. All intellectual outputs will be presented at a events in all partner countries. The methodology of this project will focus on all relevant aspects and will include activities necessary to implement outcomes and meet project objectives. In the first phase we will create website where all of the project products and information will be published, but also relevant information regarding organic farming. We will conduct a field research to visit and interview farmers. For this purpose we will develop in-depth questionnaire to understand the farmers knowledge and views regarding organic farming and the challenges. From this research we expect to get an insight whether they would be interested to learn more. We plan to use this field research to gain more information from the farmers that will help us later in designing the training. We plan to conduct two trainings. The two manuals (handbooks) that we plan to create for organic farming and marketing and branding will be a lifelong tool for the participants in the project, but also anyone else interested to invest in creating a healthy environment and healthy food. Within the project we plan to develop a curriculum that will be essential tool for adult course educators. This project will result in well-educated trainers of adults who will gain skills to transfer knowledge to interested adults on how to start their own business with organic farming. They will learn all about organic agriculture, about marketing or how to present and sell their products. The project partnership will consist of a consulting company, professional organic agriculture company, and CSOs from the region.