The transition towards sustainable and technology-driven agriculture requires investing in the skills and knowledge of future generations. In alignment with the European Skills Agenda, the European Commission has emphasized the importance of equipping professionals with the right competencies to tackle challenges related to the green economy, digital transformation, and the wider bioeconomy. The RELIEF project, through its educational initiatives, supports the development of innovative training paths that address the evolving needs of the agri-food sector and integrates it with the development of the wider bioeconomy.
Aligned with this vision, RELIEF has tested innovative training paths in various local contexts, with the goal of adapting skills to territorial specificities and emerging needs in the agri-food sector. After months of preparation, needs analysis, and development of training materials, the RELIEF pilot training in Greece came to life, turning theoretical planning into concrete action in the field.
As part of this effort, IBO CERTH, in collaboration with the Agricultural University of Athens, carried out a pilot testing program in Athens from October 2024 to February 2025. IBO-CERTH, as a research Institute, does not have direct access to Higher Education Students. Therefore, the Agricultural University of Athens was invited to provide RELIEF the relevant audience, to provide robust training to such students based on RELIEF’s training material and delivered by IBO-CERTH’s personnel. The pilot focused on the Learning Unit: Precision Technologies and Big Data aiming to bridge the gap between digital innovation and agricultural practices, providing students with hands-on experience and cutting-edge knowledge in precision farming.
A Tailored Training Approach for the Future of Agriculture
With the participation of more than 65 students, the pilot training program introduced key concepts in precision agriculture techniques and Big Data. The training modules, carefully selected from the RELIEF catalogue, were designed to address the specific needs of students in both Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions, ensuring comprehensive learning experience.
The program combined theoretical lessons with work-based activities, covering topics such as:
- The concept of remote sensing and the technology required for image processing
- Big Data analytics for farm management
- Use of drones and IoT devices for real-time monitoring
- Automation and robotics in precision farming
Delivered through a mix of in-person lectures, interactive workshops, and digital learning modules, the training provided participants with valuable insights into the role of technology in modern agriculture. By working on real-life case studies and field demonstrations, students gained practical skills and problem-solving abilities essential for their professional development.
Key Outcomes and Participant Feedback
The feedback from students and educators was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting key outcomes such as:
- Increased confidence in using digital tools for agriculture
- A deeper understanding of the role of precision technologies in optimizing resource use and sustainability
- Enhanced employability prospects, as participants gained sought-after digital skills
- Stronger links between academia and industry, promoting a more tech-oriented agricultural workforce
