Study location	Online
Type	Grow, e-learning
Nominal duration	10 days
Study language	combined English/Portuguese

Application fee	€50 one-time A participation fee will be requested to participants €50 – VAT included (21%).

Entry qualification	Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

Territory requirements	Preferably from Europe but can accept any farmer

Language requirements	English Good communication in English, Portuguese or Polish, both written and spoken

More information	growproject.eu

Overview

The Grow Learn: Autumn School is an educational initiative designed to develop farmers’ knowledge and skills on soil health. Topics such as soil microbiome management, controlled bacteria growth (bioreactors), functional biodiversity, carbon markets and mycorrhiza management illustrate farm success emphasized on applied cases that link soil health to farm economics. As you progress you learn alternatives to chemical inputs towards better crop health and resilience. This will help you to innovate on your operations and techniques with an impact on your field and the broader food system.

This unique opportunity to work on real-world case studies and in groups, enhances your practical understanding and problem-solving abilities.
Unlocking the potential of microbes to help farmers to boost the farm’s bottom line will enable you to create solutions to global challenges such as crop resilience and human health.

Advantages:
Understanding the challenges and opportunities to sustainable farming will enable you to create and implement solutions to global challenges such as remain competitive in agriculture while contributing to human health. The programme has been developed and will be delivered by an outstanding collaborative group composed of European universities, institutes, food industry companies, farmers, and agri-food startups. This unique programme features teaching by highly skilled academics, practitioners, industry players and mentors in entrepreneurship in the food system from Food4Sustainability (Portugal), BGI (Portugal), Quinta da Cholda (Portugal), ENOUGH (NL), Terra Nostra Foundation (Poland), Agreena (DK) and Soil Capital (UK).

Programme structure

The programme will take place online with a combination of asynchronous and learning resources and live (synchronous) interactive virtual sessions:

Module 1: Soil Health and Biodiversity
On October 22, the focus is on Soil Biology & Microbiome Farming, for an understanding of the role of microbes in nutrient cycling, plant growth and food production. We will explore the intricate web of life within the soil and its crucial role in promoting sustainable farming practices.
The session (Oct. 23) NextGen of Bio-Based Fertilizers examines the potential of biofertilizers in enhancing soil health and crop yield, specifically for tomato, maize, and vine.

Module 2: Innovative Agricultural Practices
Module 2 (Oct. 29) dedicates the session to Bioreactors. Here we will learn about bioreactors and explore their role in producing beneficial microbial inoculum for agricultural use. We will highlight the differences and challenges of inoculum production at small and industrial scale. Module 2 (Oct. 31) also focuses on Biodiversity, highlighting functions, such as pest control. This session is designed to show how farming smarter through biodiversity can significantly benefit farmers by improving resilience and productivity (pesticides reduction).

Module 3: Resource Management
Resource management module (Nov. 5), starts by clarifying opportunities for farmers through Carbon Markets, discussing the dual role of productivity and resilience in carbon cultivation and market engagement. Water Management (Nov. 7), emphasizing the link between water efficiency and soil health, illustrating water management techniques (k-lines) and the potential for water reusage in agriculture.

Module 4: Sustainable Practices and Technology
Regenerative Soil Practices (Nov. 12) session emphasizes reduction of chemical inputs while boosting farm profitability through sustainable methods. Precision Agriculture (Nov. 14), focus on the advancements in digital tools and the understanding of when and how technologies can impact farm operations.

Module 5: Policy and Practical Application
On November 19, the session on Policy & Funding explores current and future agricultural policies, eco-schemes, and funding opportunities that support innovation in farming.

The programme concludes on November 21 with participants presenting their overview and solution to real-world case studies, showcasing the practical application of the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course.

Career opportunities

Training and education in regenerative agriculture practices through the Grow Learn: Autumn School opens numerous career opportunities for farmers:

1. Development of Agritech Start-ups: Empower farmers to establish start-ups based on innovative ideas and solutions developed during the program.

2. Employment with Agribusinesses: Increase your chances of being hired by start-ups, SMEs, and larger companies within the sustainable food and agriculture sector.

3. Consulting and Advisory Roles: Enhance your expertise to work as a consultant or advisor on sustainable farming practices, helping other farmers improve their operations.

4. Educational and Training Positions: Open opportunities to teach and train others in sustainable agriculture at local, national, and international levels.

5. Roles in NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Improve your prospects of being employed by NGOs and advocacy groups that focus on environmental sustainability and agricultural development.

6. Media and Communication: Become a spokesperson or content creator for media companies specializing in agriculture, sharing knowledge and innovations with a broader audience.

7. Policy and Government Positions: Prepare for roles in agricultural policymaking, helping to shape the future of sustainable farming practices through legislation and eco-schemes.

8. Enhanced Farm Management: Apply new skills and knowledge directly to your own farming operations, improving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.