Inspire: Post-Harvest School

Objectives

This programme offers a unique, intensive, and hands-on immersion on the topics of sustainable and regenerative agriculture and its impact on the food production systems (carbon markets, alternative proteins, short food supply chains and digital tools to support sustainable agriculture). Participants will be able to choose the most relevant topics for their activities.

Guided by an innovation mindset, participants will think of solutions for challenges faced by regenerative agriculture farmers visited in the context of the program. We are seeking:

• farmers and practitioners aiming to understand what the transition to sustainable farming entails,
• students researching on the topic,
• young professionals and industry participants from the agri-food chain who wish to incorporate sustainability in their activities,
• food retailers staff for a broader perspective of the value chain,
• aspiring entrepreneurs interested in innovating in the food system and in improving the wellbeing of the population by providing them with safer and healthier products.

Multidisciplinary backgrounds (e.g. Food Science, Other Sciences, Engineering, Business/ Marketing, Informatics and Computational Science) are welcome and encouraged.

This programme is for:

• Students at Masters and Doctoral level
• Industry participants and young professionals, including industry players from the agri-food chain;
• Major food retailers, who want to lead the sustainable transition in agri-food chains, by setting the road ahead. Specifically, those that want to support their primary producers and suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices, from regenerative, to local produce to provide a healthier offer to consumers.
• Farmers & Practitioners, with a special focus on farmers who will be willing or, are currently, exploring the transition to regenerative and more sustainable farming including shorter value chains.

Advantages

The EIT Food Post-Harvest School will allow you to:

• Be updated on the state of the art on several emerging food production systems under the new EU framework (Farm to Fork), with a special emphasis on regenerative agriculture.
• Understand the concept of Carbon Farming and deepen your knowledge on the Carbon Markets currently available.
• Recognize the parameters that influence soil health and the soil current status. Learn about tools for farmers and small-scale producers to evaluate the soil status and short value chains.
• Learn about the microbes influencing soil health and fertility, and how this invisible life influences your health as a consumer
• Ideate on the importance of short value chains in the current food production systems
• Understand the opportunities for alternative proteins market as a food tend
• Ideate on innovative solutions for the challenges identified, with the help of experienced mentors
• Meet important international stakeholders in the current food systems environment
• Visit local producers and participate in round-table discussions on the major challenges of sustainable agriculture

Career Opportunities

Training in sustainable agriculture and innovation can open new career opportunities:

• Through building an international network that develops relevant work on sustainable food systems
• Through the creation of businesses based on the ideas developed during the programme
• By boosting your chances of being employed by start-ups, SME and large corporations across the sustainable food system.
• By improving your chances of being employed in local, national and international food supply chains
• By improving your chances of being employed by NGOs and media companies

Training on emerging sustainable farming practices can make a difference for the current and future generations. The program sets a reference in terms of content, real cases and international network that will benefit participants' opportunities in the market. New business creation decreases the current sectoral unemployment but also fills a gap in sectoral innovation.

Duration & Dates

The school lasts 10 days, from November 2nd until November 11th of 2022.