TechCoach project focuses on mobilising Operational Groups (OG) and Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) to gather and disseminate knowledge and experience for local applications across Europe. Key objectives include identifying and analysing farmer-focused multi-actor advisory practices and methods implemented by OGs, building thematic networks to connect farmers, advisors, and other AKIS actors, creating accessible tools and training materials to streamline knowledge exchange, and disseminating good practices in Smart Crop Farming facilitation throughout the EU.
“Farmers face significant societal and economic challenges, including the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water and soil quality, and maintain biodiversity” says Senior researcher Gilbert Ludwig of Jamk UAS. “Smart Farming Technologies offer solutions by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. Despite their potential, SFT adoption remains low in Europe due to perceived complexity, lack of information, and social factors such as investment fears.”
“Jamk UAS' role in the project is to organise and facilitate Innovation Bootcamps. Our accelerator, BioBoosters by Jamk, has organised bootcamps and hackathons with great success, and now we can share the knowledge. In the project, we are also leading the development of the TechCoach curriculum and training materials, as well as provide expertise and support for cross-visits and training programs.”
ProAgria acts as a key link to various stakeholders in the project, particularly to advisors and farmers. "As a nationwide organisation, we have a good understanding of the use of smart farming technologies in Finland and strong connections to various actors across the country," says Maria Suomela from Association of ProAgria Centres.
The project emphasises a "teach-the-teachers" and peer-to-peer learning approach, involving training facilitators to embed knowledge and experience on multi-actor advisory for Smart Crop Farming technologies within OGs and national networks. Co-innovation boot camps and international cross-visits are organised to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation among farmers, advisors, and other AKIS actors.
More information:
Gilbert Ludwig
Senior Researcher
[email protected]
tel. +358503408508
Jamk University of Applied Sciences
Maria Suomela
Project Manager
[email protected]
tel. +358 504433954
Association of ProAgria Centres
