The OrganicAdviceNetwork project is led by IFOAM Organics Europe and started in 2024 in order to create the first Europe-wide network for organic advisors to service the need for more, better connected and skilled organic advisors.
Aligned with the EU’s target of achieving 25% organic farmland by 2030, as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the project addresses the urgent need for skilled advisors in organic farming. Its main objective is to create and animate a network of organic advisors throughout the 27 EU Member States and 7 other European countries.
There are 17 main partners and 7 affiliated entities across Europe (not including the UK) but all types of organic advisors and advisory services willing to join the network and/or attend the trainings are very welcome!
Former ORC staff member Susanne Padel, now in-house consultant to IFOAM Organics Europe, who is supporting project coordinator Claire Morrell said: “In the project we want to inspire and challenge the mindsets of advisors and farmers by developing narratives that highlight the benefits of organic farming. The project also will carry out soft-skills trainings for advisors, and thus will contribute to improving advisory methods.” Read more here.
The project has recently launched OrganicAdviceNetwork.space an online exchange and learning space which will offer various e-learning modules and opportunities for in-person exchange and networking. Network members will be given the chance to deepen their technical knowledge about organic farming and to learn about effective advisory methods and soft skills. It is open to everyone – regardless of profession, organisational affiliation, or background. All offers on OrganicAdviceNetwork.space will be free of charge and open to all interested persons who would like to gain or improve their organic advice competencies.
A full programme of cross visits has been developed for agricultural advisors to connect, exchange, and share innovative practices and advisory approaches in organic farming. These events consist of 2-3 day cross-border exchanges, primarily for advisors within the same agricultural sector, to learn from one another. They are open to advisors from the UK, though they will need to cover their costs.
