COFARMING

Innovative EQF Qualification in EcoFarming .

The specific objective of this project is to transfer the results of the EcoJob-AP project into three European languages where this standardized training concept hitherto does not exist: to the Czech Republic, to Austria and to Slovenia, and to produce these versions with linguistic and socio-economic adaptations that refer to the specific situations in these countries.
We have chosen to transfer the results from the Ecojob-AP project because it does not only provide the learning materials that will give farmers the possibility to earn an income with the production of biologically produced food, but also because it delivers, in a transnational qualification framework for ecofarming, the EQF qualification for the profession of an Eco-expert. The materials are based upon strategic principles that Facilitate transparent linkage to the European Qualifications Framework Support lifelong learning Cover both initial and continuing education and training Promote key competences and focus on learning outcomes required in both work situations andn inputs and processes Validate both formal and informal learning, by accrediting prior learning and experience Allow for appropriate assessment methods

project report

PRODUCTS
ECO-FARMER ON-LINE TRAINING COURSE EQF LEVEL 3
LEARNING OUTCOMES RELEVANT TO LEVEL 3 KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of facts, principles, processes and general concepts, in a field of work or study. SKILLS A range of cognitive and practical skills required to accomplish tasks and solve problems by selecting and applying basic methods, tools, materials and information ACCOUNTABILITY Take responsibility for completion of tasks in work or study. Adapt own behaviour to circumstances in solving problems LEARNING OUTCOMES RELEVANT TO LEVEL 5 KNOWLEDGE Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge.

ECO-EXPERT ON-LINE TRAINING COURSE EQF LEVEL 5

HANDBOOK
PRAGMATIC GUIDE THROUGH THE CONTENTS Handbook OF THE COURSE, PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE CONTEXT OF THE COURSE, THE OVERVIEW ABOUT EQF, THE NATIONAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION IN ORGANIC FARMING AND THE SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE COUNTRY SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION SCHEMES

SKILLS A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems. ACCOUNTABILITY Exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change. Review and develop performance of self and others.

+ WEBSITE
ON-LINE INFORMATION SOURCE OF THE PROJECT INCLUDING: - NEWS - BACKGROUND - PRODUCTS - PROMOTION MATERIALS - CONTACTS - EUROPASS PORTFOLIO TOOLS - BUSINESS SKILLS SUPPORT INCLUDING ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS
Modul 1 Organic Principles
The aims of the Module are to introduce the learner to the principles underlying organic production and to gain an understanding of the key concepts which govern the production and marketing of organic food. The Module is designed to help learners understand the specific principles which underly organic production. The principles are introduced through coursework and assignments in a particular enterprise of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in communication and problem solving.

Modul 1 Organic Principles

The aims of the Module are to introduce the learner to the principles underlying organic production and to gain an understanding of the key concepts which govern the production and marketing of organic food. The Module is designed to help learners understand the specific principles which underly organic production. The principles are introduced through coursework and assignments in a particular enterprise of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in communication and problem solving.

Modul 2 Organic Standards

The aims of the Module are to develop the knowledge and skills which the learner will require to comply with the principles and practices of organic production as required by certification schemes. The Module is designed to help learners understand the specific requirements of the organic certification schemes which operate within their own country and the overarching EC Regulation 2092 / 91; apply these requirements in planning the operation of a unit according to these requirements; developing a plan for conversion of a unit or enterprise to satisfy the requirements of a certifications scheme The principles are developed through a case study in a particular enterprise of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in communication and problem solving.

Modul 2 Organic Standards

Modul 3 Marketing Organic Produce

TThe aims of the Module are to develop the knowledge and skills which the learner will require to apply the principles and practices of organic production as required by certification schemes. The Module is designed to help learners to understand the specific requirements of the organic certification schemes which operate within the Member States and the overarching EC Regulation know the differences between standards and approaches of the Sector Bodies operating in the learners country, apply these requirements in planning the operation of a unit according to these requirements, and identify any differences between certifications scheme requirements; developing a plan for conversion of a unit or enterprise to satisfy the requirements of an appropriate certification scheme The principles are developed through literature reviews and case studies of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in communication and problem solving.

WWW.E-ECOFARMING.EU

The aims of the Module are to develop the knowledge and skills which the learner will require to market his / her organic produce. The Module is designed to help learners understand the concepts and practice of modern marketing methods; carry out basic market analysis relevant to their own situation; developing a marketing plan to utilise suitable marketing approaches for their organic produce. The principles are developed through a case study relating to produce of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in research, communication and problem solving.

Modul 3 Marketing Organic Produce

Modul 4 Legislation

The aims of the Module are to ensure that the learner is aware of the range of legislation that affects his / her organic farming business and of the support structures available for the provision of advice and guidance. The module is designed to help learners; identify the requirements of cross compliance in relation to business management; recognise the verifiable standards relevant to the business; and manage the business in such a way as to comply with the relevant standards; and identify the range of legislation impacting on the business, in addition to environmental and organic standards; and source assistance (financial and advisory) to help with the running of the business.

The aims of the Module are to develop the knowledge and skills which the learner will require to advise producers, organizations and agencies on the marketing of organic produce. The Module is designed to help learners develop an understanding of the concepts and practice of modern marketing methods; carry out market analysis relating to national and global production, consumption and processing of organic produce; developing marketing plans relating to individual producers, producer groups, commercial organizations and national sectors; understand issues relating to effective supply chain management. The principles are developed through case studies relating to organizations and sectors of relevance to the learner. Itprovides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in research, communication and problem solving.

MP3 LESSONS
ALL LEARNING MODULES FOR BOTH COURSES HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN THE MP3 FORMAT SO THAT THE LEARNERS CAN LEARN ABOUT ORGANIC FARMING WHILE DRIVING A CAR OR SITTING IN A BUS OR WORKING IN THE FIELDS THEY HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY A SPEECH THERAPIST IN ORDER TO MAKE THE LEARNING EVEN MORE PLEASEANT

Modul 4 Legislation

Modul 5 Soils

To enable the learner to understand their soils; simple soils analyses and interpretation of results. understand production capacity and their means to maintain and increase fertility within organic standards; describe the nutrient cycle as applied to his/her situation. The principles are developed through a case study relating to soils of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in research, communication and problem solving

The aims of the Module are to ensure that the learner is aware of the legislation which affects organic farming business in hi/ her area and of the support available to help with these businesses; to enable him / her to advise organic farming businesses in their region. The module is designed to help learners; understand the background to and significance of environmental cross compliance for the agricultural industry within EU; and identify the verifiable standards relevant to farm businesses of various types; and advise businesses on how to comply with the relevant standards; and provide advice on sources of assistance (financial and advisory) to help organic farmers with the running of their businesses.

Modul 5 Soils

Modul 6 Organic Crops

The aims of the Module are to enable the learner to successfully grow a range of arable/field scale vegetable crops according to specific organic standards The module is designed to help learners; understand the specific requirements of the organic standards in relation to the successful growing, management, harvesting and storage of selected crops (including field crops and horticulture crops) Apply these standards to specific crops

To enable the learner to develop the skills and knowledge needed to advise farmers on maximizing the potential and overcoming the limitations of a range of soils types under organic management. The skills and knowledge are developed through case studies relating to soils and systems of relevance to the learner. The unit provides opportunities to demonstrate key skills in research, communication and problem solving.

Modul 6 Organic Crops

Modul 7 Organic Animals and Fodder Crops

The aims of the Module are to enable the learner to care for and feed animals to high welfare standards while satisfying the Organic Standards; and plan and manage appropriate forage systems for the production of year-round feed fro organic livestock. The module is designed to help learners; understand the specific requirements of the organic standards as regards the rearing of livestock apply these standards to a specific livestock enterprise plan and manage forage production systems for organic livestock production.

The aims of the Module are to enable the learner to develop the range of skills and knowledge required to advice on organic crop production in a variety of situations. The module is designed to help learners; understand the specific requirements of the organic standards in relation to the successful growing, management, harvesting and storage of selected crops apply these standards to a wide range of crops (including field crops and horticulture) develop cropping plans for organic production

SUPPORT
Programme: Leonardo da Vinci, Transfer of innovation Project number: CZ/09/LLP-LdV/TOI/134006
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Modul 7 Organic Animals and Fodder Crops

The aims of the Module are to enable the learner to enable the learner to develop the competence required to advise producers and organisations om how to care for and feed animals to high welfare standards while satisfying the Organic Standards and plan and manage appropriate forage systems for the production of year-round feed for organic livestock The module is designed to help learners; understand the specific requirements of the organic standards as regards the rearing of livestock apply these standards to a range of livestock enterprises plan and manage forage production systems for organic livestock production.

ADAPTATIONS
COMPARED WITH THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OF THE ECOJOB AP PROJECT, THE PROJECT TEAM HAS UNDERTAKEN SEVERAL ADAPTATION ACTIVITIES
- ADAPTATION OF THE INFORMATION REGARDING BOTH EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION - ADAPTATION OF THE COUNTRY SPECIFIC CROPS AND BREEDS TYPICAL FOR THEIMPORTING COUNTRIES - ADJUSTED SOIL TYPOLOGY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGIONAL SOIL TYPE AND LOCAL TRAIDITION - SIMPLIFIED TERMINOLOGY FOR THE LEVEL 3 - ECOFARMER - ADAPTED MARKETING LESSONS WITH ADDED PRACTICALLY ORIENTED MARKETING TIPPS AND HINTS - REDISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION BETWEEN THE COURSE FOR ECOFARMING AND EXOEXPERT - ADAPTED LIST OF LITERATURE AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING - DIDACTIC SIMPLIFICATION OF THE PLATFORM - ADDITIONAL AUDIOVISUAL LEARNING MATERIALS

WITH DOUBLE PURPOSE: A) PROMOTION FILMS B) BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES

VIDEOS

www.vimeo.com/ecofarming

FUTURE
As the result of the past two years of the e-Ecofarming project team activities, a significant list of relevant institutions has been involved in ongoing cooperation implementing the results of the e-Ecofarming project. The nature of cooperation differes from direct interest in incorporating the project results into existing teaching schemes to innovative cooperation and new idea development concerning further education in the field of organic farming. Not only expert organisations expressed strong interest in the e-Ecofarming products. Also regional labour market offices in all receiving countries and vocational training centres showed interest in further adaptations and exploitation of the on-line training courses for the positions organic farmer and counsellor for organic farming. Expert organisations and associations active in the field of organic farming: Association of organic farming counsellors EPOS (CZ) Agricultural Advisory service (Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry) (SI) Demeter Institute (SI) Union ofSlovenian Organic Farmers Associations (SI) Universities: Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZ) University of Southern Bohemia esk Budjovice, (CZ) Mendels agricultural university Brno, (CZ) University of Applied Sciences, Campus Wieselburg (AT) Universtity of agriculture, Vienna (AT) Adult education centre FH Campus Wieselburg (AT) Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana (SI) Agricultural Faculty, University of Maribor (SI) Secondary agricultural schools and agricultural colleges Biotehniki center Naklo (SI) 5 Secondary agricultural schools (SI) 12 Secondary agricultural schools (CZ) Official bodies reponsible for the recognition of professional qualification National Institute for Professional Qualification NOV (CZ) National Qualification Centre (SI) Centre for Vocational Qualification (SI) Adult education providers CMEPIUS Center for Mobility and European Training Programmes Regional Labour Office Velenje Ljudska univerza Velenje (Adult Education Institute)

ADDED VALUE
SUPPORTS TRANSPARENCY IN THE RECOGNITION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION PROMOTES ORGANIC FARMING PROMOTES MEANINGFUL LIFELONG LEARNING PROVIDES AUDIOVISUAL LEARNING MATERIALS PROVIDES UP-TO-DATE QUALIFICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH EQF STANDARDS DESCRIBED IN TERMS OF LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC. CONSTITUTES THE BASE FOR FUTURE QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL

PROJECT PARTNERS