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This page was translated automatically using artificial intelligence (DeepL). The German version is binding. More information about automatic translation
Many farms are looking for solutions to labour shortages and ways to diversify their income, and are wondering to what extent social initiatives might offer a way forward. A new project at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences offers answers to interested farms.
An online information session takes place every second Thursday of the month from 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm; the next one is on 14 September 2023.
Combining agricultural production with Social Work can be a promising approach. In particular, collaboration between farmers and people with disabilities is seen as highly beneficial. More and more organic farms are now discovering this opportunity, which is both meaningful and profitable.
However, setting up a social enterprise branch involves bureaucratic and formal hurdles, which can arise, for example, when submitting applications or during negotiations with the relevant funding bodies. Dealing with a previously unfamiliar target group can also give rise to uncertainties and reservations. This is where the project ‘Participation in Agriculture: New Pathways in Working Life’ at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences comes in. Farmers and owners of green businesses can take part in further training programmes featuring a variety of formats and content. The programme includes specialist conferences, field trips and a training course that provides the necessary knowledge to set up a social enterprise branch. A virtual get-together also offers an opportunity for discussion. The project team expressly emphasises the high practical component of the training programmes. Participation in the training programmes is free of charge for agricultural businesses in Saxony. Participants may only incur costs for travel, accommodation and meals.
“Since the completion of our EIP-AGRI project, InnoLAWI, we have been receiving a steady stream of enquiries from farmers, individual farms, as well as co-operatives and public limited companies, all of whom confirm the need for support in creating inclusive jobs. Within the advisory landscape for alternative service providers (ALAs) in Saxony, there has so far been no clear area of responsibility for agricultural entrepreneurs. We aim to close this gap with our project,” said Prof. Dr Stephan Beetz, project leader.
Agricultural entrepreneurs who are interested are warmly invited to find out more at https://teilhabe-landwirtschaft.de and to get in touch with the project team.
You can access the online information session via the website mentioned above.
A kick-off event with an exciting and varied programme is planned for 21 September 2023 at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.
Sarah Schwelp is available to assist businesses via this email address and on 03727 58 1763.
If you have any queries regarding the project, Rebecca Kleinheitz will be happy to answer them via this email address and on 0176 34417185.
Text: Rebecca Kleinheitz
Photo: Jan Ommen