Empowering Smallholders through Precision Agriculture Training to Bridge the Technology Gap in Ukraine and Georgia

forthcoming

The PrecAgri4All project seeks to modernize VET systems in Ukraine and Georgia by integrating Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies and methodologies. Despite agriculture’s economic importance in both countries, outdated training systems, low PA adoption, and weak industry-VET collaboration hinder sustainable development and workforce competitiveness. Smallholder farmers, who own 98-99% of farmland, struggle with digitalization and lack access to low-cost PA technologies that could increase productivity, reduce costs, and support the EU Green Deal’s sustainability goals. PrecAgri4All addresses these challenges by: - Developing PA-focused curricula (EQF Level 4-5) that integrate digital farming, automation, and data-driven agronomy into VET education; - Training VET educators through capacity-building programs, study visits to EU institutions, and the digital AgriPrecision Academy - Establishing PA Support Hubs in partner VET institutions as regional knowledge centers that provide training, technology access, and industry collaboration opportunities; - Creating Living Labs for PA demonstration, where students, educators, and farmers engage in hands-on experimentation with PA solutions in real-world settings; - Bridging the gap between education and industry through multi-stakeholder engagement, work-based learning, and employer-driven curricula; - Fostering agripreneurship through a PA Business Acceleration and Innovation Support Scheme, mentoring young entrepreneurs to develop market-ready smart farming solutions. Aligned with EU priorities (Farm to Fork Strategy, EU Green Deal, Eastern Partnership policy), PrecAgri4All strengthens VET-industry collaboration, digital transformation, and sustainable farming, ensuring that future agricultural professionals are equipped for a competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible sector.