Sustainable Farming: Technologies, Profitability, Innovation. A training course is now available for farmers
The course «Sustainable Farming: Technologies, Profitability, Innovation» has been developed as a free, open-access online programme consisting of 7 modules and 24 lectures. Each module includes learning materials and tests to assess knowledge acquisition. A distinctive feature of the course is its combination of theoretical foundations with practical case studies, visual materials, and real-life examples from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
According to the course developers, its main goal is to provide farmers with systematic knowledge and practical tools for implementing sustainable farming practices. The course will help participants develop a comprehensive understanding of modern approaches to farm management, introduce them to international experience and solutions adapted to Ukrainian realities, and teach them how to effectively apply innovative technologies in everyday practice.
«This course is not just about ideas, but about specific solutions for farms. Its content is designed to help participants apply the knowledge in their own practice: assess the initial condition of soils, select a technological approach, adjust the tillage system, review approaches to plant nutrition and protection, take climate risks into account, reduce costs, and improve the economic performance of the farm,» the authors of the course note.
Each module includes lectures and tests on the material covered. Each lecture contains a presentation, a video lesson, a short text summary, questions related to the video, and a selection of useful links for further independent study.
To facilitate better understanding of the material, the course offers visually rich practical content: videos with thematic presentations, animations, detailed graphics, and real-life examples.
Course syllabus:
- Module 1. Global Challenges in Agricultural Production
Introduction to sustainable farming, global climate change and its impact on agricultural production, climate change in Ukraine, environmental issues, and the current state of agricultural production.
- Module 2. Soil Health and Fertility
Soil functions, degradation risks, organic matter, density, salinisation, structure, preservation and restoration of soil properties, as well as soil contamination issues.
- Module 3. Sustainable Farming Systems
Scientific foundations of tillage systems, reduced tillage and no-till farming, organic, regenerative and biodynamic agriculture, and cover crops as a tool for regeneration and adaptation.
- Module 4. Integrated Soil and Plant Management
Non-chemical land resource management, environmental sustainability, nutrient management for sustainable production, and biological plant protection methods.
- Module 5. Policy and Economics in the Agricultural Sector
Economic and political mechanisms that determine the development of farming, farm profitability, and opportunities for implementing sustainable solutions.
- Module 6. Global Sustainable Agronomy Practices
Leading international examples and approaches to sustainable farming adapted to the current challenges of agricultural production.
- Module 7. Digital Agronomy: Assessment and Monitoring of Plant Health
Tools for assessing soil resilience, remote monitoring systems, satellites as a strategic planning tool, and the use of UAVs for agroscouting and agronomic operations.
The course «Sustainable Farming: Technologies, Profitability, Innovation» is suitable for:
- Farmers and farm managers who want to increase production efficiency, better understand the condition of their soils, choose modern tillage technologies, and reduce production risks.
- Consultants and advisors who support farms in implementing environmentally friendly, organic, regenerative and climate-smart approaches and need systematic training materials with practical case studies.
- Students of agricultural specialities and young professionals who want to gain a modern perspective on farming, combine theory with practical examples, and better navigate new technological and economic requirements in the agricultural sector.
- Professionals working in agricultural sector development, including representatives of support programmes, development projects and institutions that need a deeper understanding of practical approaches to transitioning to more sustainable production systems.
After completing the course, participants will be able to form a holistic view of modern sustainable farming, assess the initial condition of a field or farm, select appropriate technological solutions, plan more sustainable and efficient crop rotations, and use modern assessment and monitoring tools to support management decisions.
Access: free of charge.
Duration: self-paced.
Language: Ukrainian, with English subtitles.
Upon completion: testing and a certificate.
Go to the course «Sustainable Farming: Technologies, Profitability, Innovation».
For reference: the project was implemented within the framework of the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership programme with the aim of building capacity in sustainable agriculture, with the support of the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The course is a joint initiative of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU, United Kingdom), Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU, Ukraine), and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH, Switzerland), in partnership with Green Agro Solutions NGO (Ukraine).
