What Skills Do Small-Scale Food Producers in Slovakia Really Need?
What Skills Do Small-Scale Food Producers in Slovakia Really Need?
26
Jan
A reflection on interviews and key competencies Small and family farmers are at the heart of Slovakia’s food landscape. They ensure local production, preserve traditional practices, and support rural communities. Yet their everyday challenges are growing—from digital bureaucracy to unpredictable climate. As part of the Smart4Food project, we spoke directly with Slovak farmers and educators to […]
What can smallholders look forward to in 2026 through Smart4Food
26
Jan
In 2026, small family farmers across Europe will see real, practical benefits from Smart4Food, a European initiative designed specifically for small and family farms. Smart4Food responds to the everyday challenges farmers face by offering short, flexible learning adapted to rural life and seasonal work. At the core of the project is the Smart4Food Hub, a […]
The National Women and Agriculture Conference in Ireland learns about SMART4FOOD.
26
Jan
More than 500 delegates attended the Women and Agriculture in Sligo last week. Among those attending was Denise Callan of Momentum Educate and Innovate, who introduced the SMART4Food project to conference attendees. The annual conference is organised by the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ) and sponsored by FBD Insurance. The varied programme opened with welcome remarks and […]
Smart4Food Partners meet in Cyprus
26
Jan
Magnetar hosted the second Smart4Food Transnational Partner meeting at their offices in Limassol, Cyprus, on June 19th and 20th. The partners discussed their experiences of the research phase of the project, which included both desk research, surveys and interviews with family farmers, agricultural educators and policy makers in each of the Partner countries. This research contributes […]
SMART4FOOD introduced at Leitrim Women in Agriculture event in Ireland
26
Jan
Denise Callan, from Irish Partner Momentum Educate and Innovate, attended Leitrim Women in Agriculture – A Celebration of Roots and Resilience in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland, on November 13th. Following a welcome address by Assumpta Kelly, From The Hidden Half – Leitrim Women in Focus project, and the co-ordinator of North Leitrim Women’s Centre, the audience hear […]
Smart4Food Project Kicks Off at Šibenik University of Applied Sciences
17
Mar
The Kick-Off Meeting for the Smart4Food project took place at Šibenik University of Applied Sciences from December 10 to 11, 2024, bringing together project partners to lay the groundwork for this innovative initiative. Smart4Food is designed to promote digital innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector, integrating smart technologies to improve food production, reduce waste, […]
Creating the smart4food Brand
02
Mar
Denise Callan, Momentum Educate and Innovate When it comes to launching a new project, first impressions count. One of the first tasks of a project consortium is to establish a clear visual identity, one that represents the objectives of the project and can also create impact, particularly with our target audiences. With an in-house design […]
Who will benefit from Smart4Food?
02
Mar
An international rural forum organised by Partners VuS, Meridaunia and New Edu in 2023 found that villages in Central and Eastern Europe are losing their rural character. It was stated at this event that “people had stopped growing vegetables, fruits, and livestock, and there were thousands of hectares of unused land, thousands of unemployed and […]
Introducing the Smart4Food project
02
Mar
We are delighted to introduce Smart4Food, an Erasmus+ project which will develop the “Smart4Food Small Farm Innovation Training Programme”. It will address the education and training needs of smallholders and family farms to support their modernisation, future sustainability, and positive impact on their communities. The project is a team effort with members from Croatia, Slovakia, Ireland, […]
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KOCATÜRK DANIŞMANLIK; launched in 2018 with the leading of 32 academicians and trainers who has experience of writing, conducting and consulting projects for more than 13 years. Our firm serves to governmental institutions and public sectors in many project areas such as Erasmus+, Development Agencies, IPA-II, KOSGEB, İKG-Pro, IPARD, Embassy, EU Grants, Horizon 2020, etc.
We are an organisation by offering consultancy with good quality to all the public and private institutions which care about change and development. We also offer employability opportunities to the young people by raising awareness of entrepreneurship in the sector of projects. Our aim is to raise the standarts of general education of our country while working with Turkish and European experts(with the network we built nationally and internationally), by ensuring them to benefit from the grants such as EU, World Bank and National Agency.
KOCATÜRK has also competences in the IT area and experience in the creation of various IT solutions: websites, e-learning platforms, games, web and mobile applications. Its staff is formed by professionals with engineering and business administration backgrounds. It is a software and elearning provider working both with national customers and European partners in EU projects.
KOCATURK is a provider of technologies for long-distance training. It has its own elearning platform and a solid expertise on open source platforms. Its core business is based on VET and development of web-based solutions for collaborative learning and educational content management with a special focus on issues related to hard and soft skills development.
KOCATURK supplies complete and integrated solutions built around different target users’ needs. Thanks to the experience gained throughout the years in the domain of knowledge and content management, KOCATURK makes it possible for private companies and public agencies to develop their own “store of knowledge”, obtaining significant competitive advantage. Its products are simple and intelligent platforms, which give users access to a great variety of contents and to the “elearning experience” without requiring specific IT competences. KOCATURK is fully engaged also with social networks, blogs and elearning that supports learning initiatives of wide range groups. It is conducting training and elearning courses for unemployed and disadvantaged groups of people.
The Areas Our Organization Carries Out;
- Voluntary entrepreneurship trainings for the employability of young people,
- National and international training events for the social integration of young people,
- Getting a profession and career development trainings with the rehabilitation of women,
- Employability and social integration of women,
- Social adaptation programmes of refugees and migrants,
- Preservation of natural and cultural life and restoration activities,
- Rural development, grants to support agriculture and breeding,
- SME and e-commerce services of small and medium sized enterprises
- Installment of ICT tools, applications and websites,
- Computer and web based software development,
- 3D&7D Simulation tools installation and software development.
- Research and Development services on artificial intelligence.
- Google play store and Apple ios application software development.
- 3D& 7D Hololens and Augmented Reality application training.
- Courses and services for school education with EU standards,
- Getting a profession trainings and internships for vocational education,
- Research-development consultancy and supply of materials for universities
- Personal and career education for adults,
- Good practices for active labour
- Building the facilities/factories of firms and/or increasing the physical capacity of the facilities,
- Organise seminars, panels, conferences, courses, certificated education programmes in the areas of organisational and personal social responsibility,
- To develop and conduct projects in the areas of organisational and personal social responsibility,
- Realize ideas by benefitting the grant resources such as EU, World Bank and National Agency.
Its KOCATURK European Project Office has been working in the preparation and implementation of several EU projects and many regional projects for more than 7-years, both as coordinator and partner. Thus, it is fully capable to provide both technical, operational and management support during the lifetime of the project.
Kocatürk Consultancy’s Role and Objectives in the “Smart4Food” Project
Based in Adana and Kocaeli, Turkey, Kocatürk Consultancy is a dynamic organization specializing in fostering employability, professional development, and social integration. The institution operates in areas such as youth and women’s empowerment, rural development, and refugee adaptation while also focusing on technology-driven solutions like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and simulation tools. With a history of impactful projects and a strong commitment to innovation, Kocatürk is well-equipped to contribute to the Smart4Food Erasmus+ project.
The Smart4Food Erasmus+ project aims to utilize smart agriculture to enhance youth employability and provide education for farmers, a goal that aligns seamlessly with Kocatürk Consultancy’s mission and expertise. The organization views this project as an opportunity to:
- Empower Youth:By integrating smart agriculture practices into its vocational training programs, Kocatürk seeks to prepare young individuals for emerging career opportunities in agriculture.
- Support Farmer Education:With its experience in professional development programs, Kocatürk aims to help farmers adopt advanced agricultural techniques for improved productivity and sustainability.
- Promote Rural Development:Through its existing initiatives, Kocatürk will leverage Smart4Food to further stimulate economic growth and innovation in rural areas.
- Advance Technological Integration: Drawing on its technological expertise, Kocatürk will contribute to developing digital tools and applications that facilitate smart farming.
In addition to its broader involvement, Kocatürk Consultancy has a critical role in evaluating and refining the online training package developed within the project. The organization’s contributions will include:
- Quality Control:Ensuring the educational materials meet high standards and effectively address the needs of both young learners and farmers.
- Relevance:Assessing whether the content aligns with practical agricultural challenges and offers actionable solutions.
- Accessibility:Ensuring the materials are inclusive, user-friendly, and cater to diverse educational and technological backgrounds.
- Localization: Adapting the training materials to the cultural and regional specifics of the target audience to maximize their impact.
By contributing to the Smart4Food project, Kocatürk Consultancy aims to:
- Enhance the employability of young people by equipping them with skills in sustainable agriculture and smart farming technologies.
- Promote environmental sustainability through education on eco-friendly practices.
- Strengthen rural economies by empowering farmers with modern techniques and tools.
Collaborate with international partners to share best practices and foster innovation in agricultural education.
Team Member
The brain behind
Ramazan Kocaturk
Magnetar is an International and National Project Development and Implementation Organization based in Limassol, Cyprus.
The company’s activities include national and EU co-funded projects, offering services for covering needs for the society and the entrepreneurial environment and also addressing the priorities of the European Commission and the Member States of the EU. Magnetar tackles societal challenges regarding employability, youth support, entrepreneurship, environmental impact and more.
Magnetar has a Global and Wide Network of collaborators such as Universities, Public Organizations, Ministries, Municipalities, Technology and Science Parks, Research Institutions, Chambers of Commerce, Incubators and Accelerators, Youth Organizations, VET Providers, R&D Companies, Social / Solidarity / Employability Support Organizations and many more.
Magnetar’s staff has a multiyear experience in co-funded projects and all services connected.
The company’s main research and project activities, revolve around project development and implementation in:
- Supporting/encouraging/promoting Entrepreneurship and Employability.
- Trainings and Capacity Building in various sectors (soft skills and upskilling).
- Innovation, Start -Ups & New Technologies.
- Sustainable Development and Environment.
- Digital Transformation and IoT.
- Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
- Tourism and coastal development.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Saving technologies and techniques for all sectors (Public, Municipalities, Industry and Enterprises).
- Blue Growth – Maritime and Marine.
- Sport & Health.
- Sustainable Green Mobility.
- Smart Cities and Technologies.
- And more. The above is a non-exhaustive list.
Consulting, Research and Development Activities:
- Funding Opportunities.
- International Networking.
- Dissemination and Exploitation.
- Action Plans and Studies.
- Sustainable Development Strategies.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance.
- Data Analysis.
- Capacity Building and Trainings.
MAGNETAR Play Key Technical Role in SMART4FOOD
Magnetar serves as an essential partner in the Smart4Food project, leveraging its expertise in project development, implementation, and stakeholder engagement to contribute to the overall success of the initiative. Magnetar's activities are focused on fostering collaboration, providing local insights, and ensuring the effective dissemination and exploitation of project results.
- Development of the Smart4Food Hub (WP2):
- Magnetar is heavily involved in the creation of the Smart4Food Hub, an online microlearning training platform. This platform is designed to serve as a synergistic space to enhance farmers' key competencies, using innovative multimedia educational resources developed based on microlearning principles.
- Magnetar supports the technical design and integration of this platform, ensuring it is tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly in rural and remote areas.
- Curriculum Development (WP3):
- Magnetar contributes to the design of the “Smart4Food Innovation Training Program,” including the development of the key competence map, curriculum, and open multimedia educational resources (OER).
- It provides input on creating accessible and engaging content that aligns with the project's focus on sustainability and innovation in agriculture.
- Rollout and Exploitation of Results (WP4):
- Magnetar actively participates in the rollout events and exploitation strategy for the project deliverables. These events aim to maximize the visibility and long-term impact of the Smart4Food outputs.
- The company ensures that the Smart4Food deliverables are tailored for local implementation in Cyprus, engaging local farmers, SMEs, and stakeholders to adopt the innovative practices promoted by the project.
- Stakeholder Engagement:Magnetar acts as a bridge to its extensive network, connecting the project with universities, SMEs, public organizations, and other stakeholders in Cyprus. This includes engaging professionals for project activities, training, and awareness initiatives.
- Dissemination and Awareness:Leveraging its expertise in dissemination, Magnetar contributes to promoting the project’s goals and outputs across various platforms and networks, ensuring broad visibility and stakeholder buy-in.
- Local Adaptation: Magnetar tailors project activities to the specific needs and context of Cypriot stakeholders, addressing local challenges in agriculture and rural development.
Team Members
The brain behind
Viktoras Iordanou
Nikolas Iordanous
For over twenty years, Momentum has been educating and innovating in Ireland and throughout Europe. As an empowerment specialist of both people and places, particularly in rural areas, we actively support practitioners and learners across the Agriculture, Food Production and SME sectors across Europe. Previous projects and current work are based on mentoring and supporting adult learners, particularly in entrepreneurship.
The Momentum team bring a unique set of specialist skills and experience to SMART4FOOD. Denise Callan, the Momentum lead on SMART4FOOD, is a graduate of Agriculture and Rural Development from UCD. She has previously worked with small-holders looking to diversify and expand their core agricultural activity to ensure the continuing viability of their farms. She also has extensive experience working with SMEs in the food sector across Ireland and specific expertise in entrepreneurship.
We will bring all of this experience into the co-development of the SMART4FOOD microlearning system with our colleagues in Magnetar and New EDU. Importantly, this system will provide training activities, which will enable farmers to learn in short periods of time, without disrupting their daily tasks. The Momentum in-house design and production team will support the development of training resources in a variety of multimedia formats.
Momentum is recognised for its impact dissemination services to several European projects and we will also bring this expertise to SMART4FOOD, developing the Project Dissemination Strategy and the creation of the project branding. We will also regularly publish articles on the project website with updates on progress and key developments. Momentum will also publish a series of Newsletters throughout the project and these will be shared with key stakeholders including government and training agencies as well as agriculture agencies and small-holders.
Underpinning this work, we are excited to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all and look forward to collaborating with our project partners on SMART4FOOD.
Meet the Partner -
Momentum Innovate and Educate
For over 20 years, Momentum has been educating and innovating in Ireland and throughout Europe. MEI is one of Ireland’s leading VET entrepreneurship specialists, recognised for innovative approaches, progressive learning programmes and platforms in the food economy that are aligned to future labour market needs and rural regeneration. They work at the interface between skills development, creativity and technical abilities. Their strong food science, entrepreneurship and sustainability team nurtures and facilitates food entrepreneurship and innovation as a transversal skill.
Momentum is located in the NorthWest of Ireland, a region where family farms and small holdings are prevalent. The Momentum teams understand the valuable contribution made by these enterprises to both the economic and social viability of the region. This lived experience informs their understanding of the challenges faced by this sector and their commitment to support it to ensure it can thrive in the future,
Leading the Momentum team for Smart4Food is Denise Callan, who grew up on a family run dairy farm in the West of Ireland. Denise has a Bachelors Degree in Agribusiness and Rural Development from University College Dublin. She has previously worked wish a Co-operative organisation supporting family farms who what to develop tourism activities alongside their core farming enterprises. She has also worked in education and has run marketing campaigns for some of Ireland’s most significant food brands and food retailers.
Orla Casey applies her expertise in rural development, agri-economics and VET to drive the Smart4Food project's aim of enhancing agricultural practices and sustainability. Her proficiency in farming community engagement and education has led to significant advancements in the adoption of farming techniques, including blockchain for smallholders and e-commerce enablement, directly contributing to the empowerment of small and family farms across Europe.
Gillian With nearly 20 years’ of experience in the design/print industry, Gillian is responsible for the development and presentation of brand proposals, learning materials design, web-based graphics and visual multimedia content for digital marketing. Gillian’s work is admired and sought after by public and private organisations in Ireland as well as our collaborators across Europe. Gillian delivers a powerful and highly effective design solution to everything she works on
Team Member
The brain behind
Denise Callan
Veleučilište u Šibeniku (Šibenik University of Applied Sciences in) is a prominent higher education institution located in Šibenik, Croatia. Established in 2006, it has since grown into a key academic and professional hub for the Šibenik-Knin County, serving as the only higher education institution in the region. The University offers professional undergraduate and graduate study programs in diverse fields, including tourism, management, administrative law, nursing, traffic and transportation studies, and business informatics. Its professional undergraduate programs span six semesters (180 ECTS), while its specialist graduate programs consist of four semesters (120 ECTS), equipping students with practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for their chosen careers.
With a student population of 1,000 and a dedicated team of 50 staff members, University is committed to delivering high-quality education. The institution places a strong emphasis on aligning its programs with internationally recognized standards, such as ISO 9001:2008 and ESG, to ensure academic excellence and enhance student employability in local, national, and international markets.
Sustainability, green transition and environmental protection are central to the institution’s mission. It actively raises awareness about climate change and integrates sustainability-focused courses into its curricula. It also leads initiatives such as the “ŠI plastic frEE” project, aimed at reducing plastic waste, and the annual “EKO-EKO” campaign, which involves students in tree-planting and other green activities to lower carbon emissions. Furthermore, the institution promotes waste separation and eco-friendly practices on campus. We have been participating in several EU projects related to green technologies and circular economy.
University pays special attention to tackling various issues. For example, the emergence of distance teaching and learning, also due to the recent covid-19 pandemic, calls for a transformation in how we think about learning. To participate and thrive in a distance learning framework, it is widely believed that students must be right at the center of the learning process and become power learners. This entails developing multifaceted skills that enable them to properly cope with complexity and embrace dynamicity, thus becoming real learners. For this purpose, we have been participating in numerous Erasmus+ projects that promote new technologies in learning processes such as distance machine learning or artificial intelligence.
In addition to its academic offerings, Šibenik University of Applied Sciences fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through collaborations with local businesses, government bodies, and cultural institutions. It has been an active participant in various EU-funded programs, including Erasmus+ and Interreg, focusing on areas such as student and staff mobility, tourism innovation, and cultural heritage preservation. The university also maintains partnerships within the CEEPUS network, connecting with central European universities to promote academic exchange and collaboration.
As a forward-thinking institution, it is expanding its program portfolio to include new fields such as information technology and engineering, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing job market. Its vision is to prepare responsible young professionals who can contribute to the development of their local communities while also thriving in the global workforce.
Through its academic programs, international partnerships, and commitment to sustainability, it has positioned itself as a dynamic and impactful institution, dedicated to fostering knowledge, innovation, and environmental stewardship in Croatia and beyond.
Veleučilište u Šibeniku’s Role
in the Smart4Food Project
As the applicant and coordinating organization in the Erasmus+ project Smart4Food, Veleučilište u Šibeniku plays a central role in managing and implementing the project’s vision of fostering sustainable development and innovation in the agricultural sector. The institution is responsible for ensuring the successful coordination of all project activities, facilitating communication between partners, and overseeing the achievement of the project’s objectives. This includes managing timelines, budgets, and quality assurance processes. Additionally, Veleučilište leads the efforts in impact evaluation, dissemination, and exploitation of project results to maximize long-term benefits.
In particular, the university takes on significant responsibilities within Work Package 1 (Project Management) and contributes expertise to other core work packages, including developing innovative curricula and supporting the rollout of the Smart4Food Hub. Veleučilište ensures alignment with EU standards and integrates cutting-edge learning methodologies such as microlearning and open multimedia resources into the curriculum design.
Veleučilište u Šibeniku brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this project:
- proven Project Management expertise:The institution has a strong track record in leading EU-funded projects, including Erasmus+ and Interreg initiatives, demonstrating its ability to manage complex, multi-partner projects effectively.
- educational innovation:With established programs in information technology, business informatics, and environmental management, Veleučilište excels in integrating digital tools and sustainability into educational practices.
- sustainability leadership:Through prior projects like "ŠI plastic frEE" and the "EKO-EKO" campaign, the university has showcased its dedication to environmental stewardship, a key focus of Smart4Food.
- collaborative network:The institution’s established partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders—including universities, government bodies, and cultural organizations—enhance its capacity to connect project outcomes with broader audiences.
- multidisciplinary expertise:The university’s faculty and staff bring diverse skills in IT, environmental management, and project evaluation, supported by certifications in areas like ERP implementation and quality assurance (ISO 9001:2008).
This extensive experience ensures that Veleučilište u Šibeniku is not only well-equipped to manage the project but also to contribute innovative solutions and expertise, positioning the Smart4Food project for significant impact in fostering sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Team Members
The brain behind
Nikolina Gaćina
Jelena Šišara
For over twelwe years, New Edu has been innovating and providing advanced education solutions in Slovakia and across Europe. As a research and training organization with a strong focus on the agriculture and food sectors, we specialize in supporting smallholders, rural communities, and SMEs through progressive learning programs. Our initiatives often emphasize entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital transformation, ensuring that learners acquire practical and applicable skills.
The New Edu team brings a unique blend of expertise to SMART4FOOD. Professor Zuzana Palková, a lead expert at New Edu, has over 25 years of experience in sustainable rural development, agricultural production, and digital innovation. Her work on projects like FoodRUs and FoodCOMP highlights her commitment to promoting circular economy principles, resource management, and innovative agricultural practices. This expertise directly supports the development of SMART4FOOD’s microlearning system and its focus on enhancing smallholders’ digital competencies.
New Edu will co-develop the SMART4FOOD microlearning system in collaboration with Magnetar and Momentum. Using microlearning principles, this system will deliver multimedia-based modules covering topics such as precision agriculture, sustainable practices, and food traceability.
Our contributions extend beyond training development. With extensive experience in outreach and knowledge transfer, New Edu will play a pivotal role in engaging stakeholders, including policymakers, VET educators, and smallholders. Our commitment to rural empowerment and education for sustainability ensures that the SMART4FOOD project has a lasting impact on the agriculture sector.
Through partnerships and projects, New Edu strives to build resilient food systems and foster innovation in rural regions. We are excited to collaborate on SMART4FOOD and look forward to contributing our expertise to create a more sustainable future for all stakeholders.
Meet New Edu, n.o.
New Edu, n.o. is a Slovak-based, nonprofit research and training organization dedicated to advancing education and innovation in the agriculture and food sectors. Based in Nitra, Slovakia, we specialize in enterprise-focused programs that combine cutting-edge learning platforms with practical mentoring and hands-on training. With a team of highly experienced professionals, we are committed to fostering entrepreneurship, sustainability, and rural development across Europe.
New Edu leverages over 15 years of experience in:
- Agriculture and Food Innovation: Designing programs that integrate circular economy principles, sustainable practices, and digital tools.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Developing business models for local governments, private enterprises, joint ventures, and community-led initiatives.
- Progressive Learning: Offering vocational training solutions enhanced by eLearning, blended learning, and webinars tailored to the needs of diverse learners.
- Rural Development: Collaborating with universities, local governments, and policymakers to create impactful programs that revitalize rural regions.
- Professor Zuzana Palková: A renowned expert in sustainable rural development and agricultural technologies, with over 250 research publications and extensive project leadership experience.
- Viktor Palko: Multimedia specialist and director, contributing to international projects with expertise in content creation and visual communication.
- Miriam Žitňáková: Nutrition advisor and social media strategist, actively involved in promoting healthy eating and sustainable food practices through Erasmus+ projects.
- Tailored Solutions: We provide customized educational programs that address the specific needs of rural communities, SMEs, and VET organizations.
- Innovative Approaches: Our integration of digital tools and microlearning principles ensures accessible and impactful training.
- Strong Partnerships: Collaboration with academic institutions, policymakers, and local action groups ensures long-term, sustainable outcomes.
- Proven Impact: Our projects have transformed rural regions, supported smallholders, and enhanced entrepreneurial capabilities.
New Edu aims to bridge the gap between innovative education and real-world application, empowering rural communities and smallholders to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. We look forward to continuing our journey of fostering sustainable practices and driving meaningful change in the agriculture and food sectors.
For more information, visit: www.newedu.sk
Team Members
The brain behind
Professor Zuzana Palková
Viktor Palko
Miriam Žitňáková
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