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Free training programme
Rural Connections is the operational heart of the PAC Network Academy, an initiative promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry and implemented by the National Rural Network in collaboration with universities, regions and local partners.
The project was set up to bridge the gap between the academic world, agricultural businesses, research and institutions, helping students to understand the major transformations affecting the agricultural and rural sectors: ecological, digital and generational.
The programme integrates three closely linked dimensions: Training, Action Research and Outreach, with the aim of providing practical skills relating to the CAP 2023–2027, whilst promoting the active involvement of young people and the development of collaborative networks between local areas, universities and agricultural businesses.
EStà’s role
Within the project, EStà supports the design and facilitation of training, workshop and participatory activities, contributing to the development of collaborative tools between students, researchers, agricultural businesses and institutions.
Activities include:
- co-design of live events and workshops;
- facilitation of participatory processes;
- design of regional Mini Camps;
- team-building and action research activities;
- support for outreach and community building;
- support for the establishment of a national Living Lab dedicated to rural innovation.
A three-phase programme
1. Online training
The first phase of the project consists of an e-learning course open to students at the partner universities.
The course, entitled ‘Agriculture 2030: Skills for the Triple Transition’, covers:
- PAC 2023–2027;
- environmental sustainability;
- digital innovation;
- strategic skills for the future of agriculture.
The course includes: live and on-demand video lessons; self-study; a final test; and a certificate of attendance.
2. Action Research
Selected students progress to a second workshop-based phase focused on the production of applied knowledge.
Through online workshops, meetings with mentors and fieldwork, participants develop tools for territorial analysis and experiment with participatory action research methodologies.
A central element of the programme is the in-person Mini Camps, in Puglia and Lombardia, held at CREA experimental centres and innovative farms.
During the Mini Camps, students undertake: farm visits, structured observation with interviews, focus groups and data collection; brainstorming and co-design; and critical reflection on their experiences.
3. Dissemination and Community
The third phase aims to showcase and disseminate the learning outcomes that have emerged during the programme.
Students are supported in the creation of:
- public presentations;
- multimedia presentations;
- outreach content;
- tools for communicating results.
The project also aims to build a permanent national community through digital tools and opportunities for dialogue between students, young farmers, mentors and institutional stakeholders.
Towards a national Living Lab
Accademia Rete PAC aspires to build a fully-fledged Living Lab dedicated to the themes of agricultural and rural innovation.
The aim is to create a stable collaborative infrastructure capable of connecting:
- universities,
- institutions,
- agricultural businesses,
- civil society,
- and young professionals.
The Living Lab represents a permanent space for co-design and experimentation, geared towards open innovation and sustainable territorial development.
Partners and references
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry
- National Rural Network
- CREA
- Regions involved: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Bolzano (Autonomous Province), Calabria, Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Lombardy, Marche, Molise, Piedmont, Puglia, Sicily, Umbria.
- EStà – Economy and Sustainability
- Partner universities:
Further information:
