Selected reference

The general objectives of the project were to:

• promote the introduction and continued use of agricultural practices that are environmentally-friendly and which are going beyond the Good Farming Practices
• develop practical experiences, skills and abilities for implementing agro-environment measures
• enhance the environmental awareness of farmers and other land users

Specific project objectives:

• Development of ecological agriculture technologies in plant and animal production as method that protects the environment and is also sustainable from the economic point
• Preserving the bio-diversity and the landscape value of pastures, including the pastures with a high natural value that are threatened by change in land use, due to intensification of agriculture and/or to abandonment
• Improving the water and soil resources management by farmers, including in those area affected by severe soil erosion processes or exposed to nutrient losses
• Assimilating rules, principles and methods related to the ecological agricultural production in plants and animal fields
• Acquiring and developing competencies in agro-environment field for:
• Prevention and reduction of water and soil pollution due to inadequate agricultural practices
• Conserving the soil in areas affected by the erosion process
• Conserving biodiversity
• Increasing the number of plots that respects the standards of ecological agriculture
• Create understanding of the requirements of new EU Agro-Environment Payments

• Training needs assessment
• Design training concept including logistics (25 regions and 25 courses for 575 trainees)
• Selection and mobilisation of large teams of international and local experts/ trainers
• Preparation of training materials related to the requirements of new Agro-Environment Payments (sub-measures: 1. Ecological Agriculture, 2. Extensive Pastures Management/ Biodiversity and 3. Soil and Water Protection) for the period 2007 - 2013
• Carry-out course promotion/media campaign activities at national and regional level
• Set up qualified trainer teams including train the trainer courses
• Selection and mobilisation of trainees in 25 regions
• Carry-out 25 one week courses related to: 1. Ecological Agriculture, 2. Extensive Pastures Management/ Biodiversity and 3. Soil and Water Protection
• Organise and implement monitoring and evaluation procedures
• Operational management of project implementation and backstopping
• Provision of lessons learnt and policy advice to the Contracting Authority (MAFRD) for future training programmes