High schools, high vocational schools, scientific institutions and branch organizations will be given priority in the application process
Governing body of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023-2027. he presented draft selection criteria for intervention II.I.2 “Professional training and knowledge acquisition” during a meeting of a thematic working group, in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This was announced on its page under the Strategic Plan of the CMA.
During the discussion, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Lozana Vasileva explained that the intervention budget for the entire period of implementation of the Strategic Plan amounts to over 15 million. euros. She emphasized that the intervention was included in the draft Annual Indicative Schedule in order to satisfy the demands of the industry. the entries in 2025, which will be voted on by the upcoming Strategic Plan Monitoring Committee. “The first request for assistance under the intervention, planned for the period January – March 2025, will be sent with more than 65% of the available financial resources or a budget of 10 million. euro,” explained Dr. Vasileva.
Support will be provided for training and skills acquisition in agriculture and forestry for people involved in the agriculture and forestry sector. Its aim is to help increase the professional quality of entrepreneurs and people employed in the agricultural sector by adapting the types of knowledge transfer to the specific aspects of the sector.
The support includes conducting courses to obtain qualifications in a profession or part of a profession, in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Vocational Education and Training and courses to increase qualifications, in accordance with the requirements of the Law on Higher Education.
Activities will be funded to implement and implement specialized courses to obtain the legal capacity to work with agricultural and forestry equipment.
Also eligible for support will be activities to hold information seminars to increase knowledge on topics aimed at achieving the specific goals and needs identified in the Strategic Plan.
Support is provided in the form of a single rate per unit of product, so-called simplified standard costs, and the aid will be up to 100% of the amount of approved costs. Priority will be given to supporting applications submitted by high schools, higher vocational schools, scientific institutions and branch organisations, as well as activities implemented in partnership with a branch organisation.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Lozana Vasileva, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Vasileva! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent presentation regarding the new intervention for professional training and knowledge acquisition in agriculture. It sounds like an exciting initiative!
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: Thank you for having me! I’m delighted to share insights into our Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas.
Time.news Editor: To kick things off, can you elaborate on the priority given to high schools, vocational schools, and scientific institutions in the application process for this initiative? How did you determine this focus?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: Absolutely! The decision stemmed from recognizing the vital role that education and vocational training play in fostering a skilled workforce in agriculture. By prioritizing these institutions, we aim to ensure that students and professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to meet industry demands. It’s essential for the future of both agriculture and rural development.
Time.news Editor: That’s a commendable approach. You also mentioned that the intervention has a substantial budget of over 15 million euros for the implementation period. How do you envision this funding being allocated?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: The funding will be strategically allocated toward various programs and activities that enhance professional training. This includes developing training curricula, facilitating workshops, and providing scholarships or grants to support students. The goal is to create a comprehensive training ecosystem that aligns educational offerings with the current and future needs of the agricultural sector.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! In your view, what are some of the key skills or knowledge areas that learners should focus on to succeed in today’s agricultural landscape?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: We’re seeing a significant shift towards sustainability and technology in agriculture. Thus, areas such as precision farming, sustainable practices, digital agriculture, and data analysis are crucial. Additionally, knowledge in agronomy and environmental sciences will empower the next generation to tackle challenges like climate change and food security.
Time.news Editor: With the first request for assistance set for January to March 2025, what steps will you take to ensure that interested parties are prepared to apply for these funds?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: We are planning outreach initiatives and informational sessions to guide schools and organizations through the application process. Moreover, we’ll provide detailed criteria and support documentation on our website so that applicants can easily access the information they need. It’s crucial that we facilitate a smooth application experience.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what impact do you hope this initiative will have on the agriculture sector in the long run?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: My hope is that this initiative not only uplifts the educational aspects of agriculture but also enhances the overall productivity and sustainability of the sector. By equipping our workforce with the right knowledge and skills, we can foster innovation and adaptability, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
Time.news Editor: That’s a visionary outlook, Dr. Vasileva! A final thought—what message would you like to convey to students and educators who are looking to get involved with this initiative?
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: I encourage them to seize this opportunity! Engage with your local institutions, stay informed about upcoming programs, and actively participate in discussions around agricultural education. Together, we can cultivate a thriving agricultural community that’s prepared for the challenges ahead.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Vasileva. It’s been a pleasure discussing this crucial topic with you. We look forward to seeing the positive developments from this initiative!
Dr. Lozana Vasileva: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our vision.