The project “Building the Future for Agricultural Communities through Lifelong Learning” responds to the education and training policies e.g. A European Area of Lifelong Learning (2002), and the agricultural and rural development policies of the EU, e.g. the Mid-Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy (2002).

Why undertake this project:
        The agricultural sector and rural communities in both current members states and in applicant states face radical challenges to their viability as a result of the impending changes in the Common Agricultural Communities (CAP). At the same time, EU policy states that lifelong learning should promote “the employability and adaptability of its citizens” (A European Area of Lifelong Learning). This project gives effect to EU policy in developing lifelong learning responses to the needs of the rural communities.

What the project will do:
        In the project, each transnational partner will establish a local/regional network consisting of statutory and voluntary organisations in the agricultural and lifelong learning sectors. These networks will establish close cooperation between the two sectors, and will:
        ۩ research the past experience and current trends for agricultural communities in each country in the past 15 years, and the scope for lifelong learning providers to respond to the identified needs;
        ۩ map current provision and progression routes in lifelong learning, and identify gaps;
        ۩ develop/adapt courses/modules to assist farmers and their families to:
               ► make the transition from the farm to the non-farm workplace;
               ► supplement their farm income with non-farm income, or
               ► create additional income from farm-related activity;
        ۩ seek formal recognition of farming skills from vocational training providers and certifying bodies so that people leaving agriculture enter VET at the appropriate levels in terms of the National Qualifications Frameworks in each country;
        ۩ publish the results of the project on the project website in the language of each partner.