The European ACE-EX project (Agriculture Circular Economy – Expert), funded by the Erasmus+ program, faces the ambitious challenge of training experts who will lead agriculture’s transition toward circular economy models.
The project aims to support the agricultural sector’s evolution toward sustainable practices by promoting innovation in production processes, efficient resource management, and waste valorisation within a circular economy framework, aligning with European Green Deal objectives.
The international consortium, led by the Higher Technical Institute for Life Technologies in Bergamo, has completed the development of 12 innovative training modules designed to create a new professional figure: the expert in circular economy processes in agriculture.
The courses at EQF levels 4 and 5 encompass innovation management, bioeconomy, technological recovery, and leadership, providing essential technical and transversal skills to facilitate the transition towards sustainable agriculture.
“Our courses combine theory and practice, with a particular focus on wine, oil, and cereal sectors,” explains Carme Fusilli, project manager. “Through case studies, practical exercises, and virtual simulations, participants acquire immediately applicable skills to implement circular processes and develop new sustainable business models in the agricultural sector.”
“Quality has remained central to course development,” states Petra Ziegler from the Vienna Institute for Labor Market and Educational Research (WIAB), Quality Assurance Manager of the project. “The internal review process has confirmed that the training modules not only meet required EQF standards but also offer an optimal balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The integration of real case studies and attention to developing essential sector-specific soft skills stands out as particularly valuable.”
Among the most innovative modules, “Technology and Recovery,” “Biogas,” “Nutraceutical Applications in Cosmetics,” and “Innovation Management” stand out, offering concrete tools to implement circular processes in agricultural businesses. The consortium has designed the training for online delivery, ensuring maximum accessibility and flexibility.
The ACE-EX project, which brings together 20 partners from 9 EU and non-EU countries, aims to train at least 440 professionals by 2026. The courses will become free of charge on a MOOC platform, helping spread essential skills to achieve European Green Deal objectives in the agricultural sector.
