The Pact for Skills, a flagship initiative under the European Skills Agenda, launched by the European Commission, emerges to address the rapidly changing global landscape at a time when technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving labour market demands are reshaping the skills required in the workforce, and there is a need for continuous upskilling and reskilling. The European Commission has taken a proactive stance, realising that a collaborative effort public-private is essential to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future, aligning efforts, promoting lifelong learning, and addressing the skills gap effectively. Partnerships between public and private entities, including educational institutions, businesses, and social partners, are encouraged to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. These partnerships foster innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and create a holistic ecosystem for skills development. The Pact for Skills aims to identify current and emerging skills needs in different sectors and regions through in-depth research and analysis. This enables the formulation of targeted policies and initiatives to bridge the gap between supply and demand. At the same time, the Pact emphasises the importance of providing accessible and high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities for individuals at all stages of their careers. This involves developing flexible training programs, recognising prior learning, and promoting digital and soft skills. The European Commission, in collaboration with national and regional authorities, mobilises funding to support the development and implementation of skills-related projects, programs, and infrastructure. Additionally, private investments and innovative funding models are explored to maximise the impact and sustainability of the Pact.

At EU level, Large-Scale Skills partnerships (LSPs) set up a shared engagement model for collective action where major players in industrial ecosystems and value or supply chains, including associations, relevant public authorities, and SMEs, commit to cooperate and invest to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for people of working age in the whole industrial ecosystem.  The European Union initiated in February 2022 the Agri-Food Pact for Skills Partnership, led by the European Commission, specifically DG GROW, DG EMPL, and DG AGRI, with the coordination of two organisations, Copa-Cogeca representing the agriculture and agro-cooperatives in Europe, and FoodDrinkEurope representing the EU food industry to address the specific skills challenges and opportunities of this ecosystem.

The agri-food sector is a central part of European culture and tradition and is vital for the development of Europe, comprising a vast network of farmers, agri-food cooperatives, food processing companies, and SMEs. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including globalisation, climate change, urbanisation, shifting consumer demands, generational renewal, and international competition.  The Agri-Food Pact for Skills Partnership seeks to address these challenges through collaborative efforts and skills development. The partnership’s success hinges upon the active involvement of various stakeholders within the agri-food ecosystem.

1. In-Depth Insights: Access valuable knowledge and insights on upskilling and reskilling needs specific to the agri-food sector. Stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities crucial for navigating the dynamic landscape.
2. Strategic Networking: Forge meaningful connections with a diverse community of organizations, ranging from industry leaders to innovative start-ups. The Networking Hub provides a platform to collaborate, share experiences, and explore potential partnerships for mutual benefit.
3. Resourceful Tools: Leverage a suite of EU tools, including Europass, Skills Panorama, EURES, and the European Network of Public Employment Services, to elevate your organization’s visibility and showcase your commitment to skills development. The web portal agrifood-pact4skills.eu will be the one shopping point where members will share training content, documents, databases, funding, events in the sector.
4. Promotion of Activities: Effectively promote your organization’s activities and initiatives within the Pact for Skills community. The platform will provide a dedicated space to showcase your contributions, fostering recognition and collaboration.
5. Learning Opportunities: Engage in a dynamic learning environment through webinars, seminars, and peer learning activities hosted by the Knowledge Hub. Stay abreast of EU policies, instruments, projects, and best practices, ensuring your organization remains at the forefront of skills development.
6. Strategic Funding Guidance: Receive expert advice on accessing relevant funding instruments to boost skills development within your organization. The Guidance Hub offers comprehensive information on both EU and national funding opportunities.
7. Skills Leader Recognition: Demonstrate your organization’s commitment by proudly displaying the Skills Leader badge. This distinctive emblem serves as a visual representation of your dedication to fostering skills excellence within the agri-food sector.
8. Participation does not require payment of fees and it is not binding in terms of KPI to be reached in terms of number of upskilled or reskilled people or goals reached. But you can actively participate in meeting and events in shaping the future of training in the Agrifood sector.
9. The Agrifood Pact for Skills it is a young initiative. The Agrifood Pact for Skills partnership started on November 2020. Your contribution will matter to shape the future of upskilling and reskilling of the sector.
10. Large Erasmus+ Blueprint projects (FIELDS & I-RESTART) will feed the Pact for Skills of the Agri-Food Ecosystem by providing project outcomes, particularly curricula, scenarios, training materials, and strategy. In addition, surveys and feedback are constantly offered throughout the project to improve the quality of training and ensure its alignment with the needs identified in the Pact for Skills of the Agri-Food Ecosystem. It is now mandatory to subscribe the pact for skills to be able to participate to the Erasmus+ Blueprint projects.