Repertoire good practices in Farming_Environment_Climate_Change
Transcripción
Repertoire good practices in Farming_Environment_Climate_Change
COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training “Repertoire of good environmental farming practices and adaptation and mitigation to the Climate Change” EUROPEA-ESPAÑA CFEACtra. de Riudoms, Km 2,2 43205 – Reus Tel: 977 31 03 66 Fax: 977 31 63 98 e-mail: [email protected] SUMMARY Presentation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Introduction to the project ………………………………………………………………..................................... Good examples 3 4 Austria: 1- Building a cover crop knife roller………………………………………………………..………. 2- Beefmarketing……………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 10 Belgium: 1-Biofilter to depurate water used for washing sprayers …………………………………. 13 France: 1- Network of Eco-responsible apprentices. …..…………………………………………………. 16 2- Aviary for the rehabilitation of wildlife …………………………………………………………… 18 Luxembourg: 1- Parcel Pass……………………………………………….…..…………………………………………………. 21 Poland: 1- Visit to the biogas plant in Boleszyn………………………….…………………………….………. 25 2- Growing vegetables under cover. Young farmer’s activity……………………………….. 27 Spain: 1- Finca el “Mato”. Permaculture …………..………………………………………………………. 30 2- Silvoarable systems: combining valuable timber production and agriculture…. 32 3- Organic farming and nature preservation in areas of high environmental value. 34 4- Experience of no-till in the organic farm of the school “CECA Manresa”…………. 36 5- Renewable energy sources in the organic agricultural school of “CECA Manresa”………………………………………………………………………….……………………. 38 6- Bio-Sustainable management techniques of organic waste: composting, vermicomposting and biogas”……………………………………………………………………………. 40 7- Save irrigation water and study physical, chemical and microbiological effects of suspended shade sloth covers on stored water for irrigation…. ……………………….. 42 Publication: EUROPEA-E and Centre de Formació i Estudis Agrorurals Coordinator: Editorial Board: José Luis Lavilla Elisabeth Honigsberger, Sophie Blainville-Wellburn, Wiesia Gasiorowscy and José Luis Lavilla 2 Presentation EUROPEA is a network of over 1000 schools and institutions involved in agricultural (green) vocational education and training in Europe. From 2009 to 2011 EUROPEA has executed the project CHAVET that permitted to know about the challenges that agricultural (green) VET schools in Europe were facing. The new project named COPCHAVET “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture (green) Sector”, is a new project of Leonardo da Vinci Partnership program that runs from 2011 to 2013 and would permit to find out good examples and practices in: 1- Cooperation school-enterprise-community and how to teach entrepreneurial competences, 2- Good environmental farming practices and adaptation and mitigation to the Climate Change. Additionally the project will elaborate a report about the implementation of the European Credit System in Agricultural (green) Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) in some European countries. This document (Repertoire of Good environmental farming practices and adaptation and mitigation to the Climate Change) offers examples of firms/farms or agricultural (green) vocational education schools that have implemented sustainable techniques or farming systems that contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to the Climate Change. 3 Introduction to COPCHAVET project The objectives of the project were: 1- To enhance awareness among the European green (agricultural) VET schools and institutions about the new challenges related to: a- Changes in farms and firms and the relationship school-enterprise b- Environmental issues and Climate Change that affect farming c- ECVET and the application in green (agricultural) sector 2- To improve knowledge, skills and competences of teachers and managers of green (agricultural) VET schools and other stakeholders of the trade about the challenges indicated above 3- To encourage innovative thinking and entrepreneurial behavior of students 4- To strengthen the cooperation among the partners (EUROPEA net) The activities carried out were: 1-Phase: Dissemination of the results obtained in CHAVET project (green VET schools, Authorities,..). 2-Phase: Study / research of good examples in “Cooperation school-enterprise and how to teach entrepreneurial competences”. Sharing and collecting information during some different meetings (Open School for experts and professionals, Student Meeting for students and Thematic Seminar for teachers and principals). To elaborate a “Repertoire”. 3-Phase: the same as explained in phase 2 but for the “Good environmental farming techniques and how to cope with Climate Change in Agriculture”. To elaborate a “Repertoire”. 4-Phase: Study of the implementation of European Credit in agricultural (green) VET in some European countries. To elaborate a “Report”. 5-Phase: Dissemination of all products and tools among European green VET schools and Authorities. Websites of EUROPEA-International (www.europea.org), and national ones. In Spain the EUROPEA-España Website is www.europeaespana.es but other ways of communication were used. Evaluation during and at the end of the project (forms) 4 AUSTRIA 5 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Building a cover crop knife roller School / institution / enterprise. Person of contact: Alexander Hahnekamp LFS-Obersiebenbrunn Feldhofstraße 6 A-2283 Obersiebenbrunn Tel.: 0043 2286/2202 [email protected] http://www.lfs-obersiebenbrunn.ac.at Description of good practice/project: The ambition of the project was to build a cover crop knife roller for the research center of the agriculture school in Obersiebenbrunn, Austria. The construction was made with the pupils of the agriculture school in Obersiebenbrunn. The teacher Alexander Hahnekamp was responsible for the planning, construction and implementation. The pupils were involved in all planning and implementation faces. The question was taken from the research center of the lower Austrian agriculture schools. The task of this project was the development of a labor-extensive, fuel-saving knife cover crop. 6 The final element The “making of” cover crop knife roller The result 7 The final product a work of students Reuse steel frame 8 Problem or challenge this project is facing: - Limited financial resources demand and students to work accurately, carefully reliably Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The project was done in the course of the practical technical lessons. The financing was given by the Agroinnovation Austria. Material/Technology: - steel pipes - hardox steel - recycling steel frame - knowledge of agricultural technology - knowledge of material and plant production Persons: Alexander Hahnekamp technical teacher of an agriculture school Pupils of the school (age 15 -17 years) Strengths of the Project: - The cooperation between pupils, teacher and agro-industry - weight saving (water instead of steel in the roller) as a result saving fuel and resources - reusing material (reuse steel frame) Communication & Dissemination: Links: http://www.landimpulse.at/agroinnovation/t eam.htm http://www.bauernzeitung.at/?id=2500%2C6 6336%2C%2C http://www.topagrar.com/news/Home-topNews-Senf-plattwalzen-statt-mulchen121805.html 9 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Marketing of beef from the cowshed (organic production) direct to the customer School / institution / enterprise: Landwirtschaftliche Handelsschule Grottenhof-Hardt Hardter Straße 27, A-8052 Thal; 0676 8664 9879; [email protected] ; www.grottenhof.com Person of contact: Michaela Degold-Gudrnatsch, Johannes Schantl Description of good practice/project: The education in Grottenhof-Hardt combined an agricultural and a marketing curriculum. In the nd 2 class, the students do the marketing of a beef grown up in the school-farm. The objectives are: to establish contact (at most by phone) to potential customers; to slaughter the animal, to cut up the meat, to make ready for sale, to sale the prepared meat packages, to take the money, to settle up and to produce a final assessment- 10 Problem or challenge this project is facing: How to acquire marketing skills? To fit the different steps in the schedule (The project take 4-5 action-days between 2 weeks from the start to the end; some steps are not movable); Great success of the initiative: Too less beef for so many customers Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The project occurs in the “betriebswirtschaftliche Übungen” (Economic practice teaching); the students works self-reliant, supported by the teacher; the step slaughtering and cut up the meat is done by a slaughter, assisted by 4 student Material/Technology: -Telephone, computer, -slaughterhouse (is in the school) -processing area -packaging material -Petty cash Persons: Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) -Combination from agricultural objects (beef production) and marketing objects (promotion, presentation, merchandising) -To work in a small group -To get experience in slaughtering - The direct contact between the students and the customers At the “Grottenhof” school Links: - Web: - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: 11 BELGIUM 12 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Biofilter to depurate water used for washing sprayers School / institution / enterprise: Centre Technique Horticole de Gembloux 4 chemin de Sibérie 5030 Gembloux +32(0)81625230 [email protected] www.cthgx.be Person of contact: Joël Gillet (Directeur) Description of good practice/project: Elimination of pesticides contained in the water used for washing the sprayers. The system consists of 3 layers of organic material (50% straw, 25% peat, 25% agricultural soil) where microorganisms grow and will degrade pesticides as they do on a natural soil. The wash water produced by washing sprayers are collected and pumped to the top of the system (1rst lay) where it drops and is absorbed by the substrate, starting the process of degradation of pesticides. From nd this lay effluents drop to the 2 lay continuing the process of degradation and then to the 3th where it finish. After that, effluents can be drained into the soil. Problem or challenge this project is facing: To avoid pollution of soils and ground water produced by washing sprayers. Implementation of an effective and low cost depuration system for water polluted by pesticides in a small farm. Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The study of experimental system in collaboration with the Walloon agricultural research center. Material/Technology: - Tank, substrates plumbing, pump, shelter Persons: One operator 13 Strengths of the Project: Reduce and limit pesticides residues in soil, surface and underground water Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) [email protected] Links: - Web: www.cthgx.be System of 3 layers Substrate Drain of effluent after depuration Schema of the process 14 FRANCE 15 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Network of Eco-responsible apprentices School / institution / enterprise: EPLEFPA Jules Rieffel 5 rue de la syonnière-bp117 44817 SAINT HERBLAIN cedex telephone :0240949930 Person of contact: DIONIZY Florent [email protected] Description of good practice/project: To coordinate and support a network of apprentices and their projects related to sustainable development. Students of the school (apprenticeship system) work in different projects as international cooperation, environment protection, plant biodiversity, et cetera. Students do that voluntary during their free time but also they can use courses time. Problem or challenge this project is facing: The need to create a more sustainable World (social, economic and environment) 16 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: - 67 students involved in 14 different projects covering seven areas: international solidarity, renewable energy, resource protection, intergenerational, animal pole involvement in proceedings, plant biodiversity. - A fifty student volunteers occasionally. (PIC, actions "on the ground" ...) - 1 meeting every Tuesday from 12:30 to 14:30 - 1 workshop on Wednesday afternoon from 14h to 17h30 - 1 Testimonial report card to enhance engagement -one coaching by a coach (mentor) Material/Technology: -Classroom -Pc -Administrative support Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Educational objectives: - Perform actions to develop skills that could be mobilized in personal and/or professional project. Scientific Objectives: - Understand the complexity of the process and interdependence of systems. Specific objectives of the project according to the theme Sustainability objective: - To match the "say" (theory) and "do" (practice) Persons: -Coach in sustainable development Links: − Web: http://rieffel.paysdelaloire.elyco.fr/developpementdurable/les-projets-desecoresponsables/ - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: 17 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Aviary for the rehabilitation of wildlife School / institution / enterprise: EPLEFPA Jules Rieffel 5 rue de la syonnière-bp117 44817 SAINT HERBLAIN cedex telephone :0240949930 Person of contact: DIONIZY Florent [email protected] Description of good practice/project: The school has an aviary of 370m ² for injured black storks, hawks, owls where to do their rehabilitation before being released into the wilderness. Works as feeding and observation of animals are made daily by students. Problem or challenge this project is facing: Students should check the health status of birds to release them in good condition. 18 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: − every day: feeding − every month: Organization & control & evaluation meeting − regular meetings with the veterinary school, partner of the project − visits Material/Technology: -Feed -Technical material (freezer..) -Aviary and birdhouses Strengths of the Project: Educational goals: - Allow learners to take charge of autonomously monitoring and rehabilitating wild animals. - Allow learners exchange of experience with experts from the veterinary school. Scientific Objectives: - Prepare the rehabilitation of an animal by studying its characteristics, behavior, and their living environment. - Consider changing everyday behavior of an animal rehabilitation. Persons: -School of veterinary - Coach of sustainable development -School management team Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Links: - Web: http://rieffel.paysdelaloire.elyco.fr/developpement-durable/actualites/ - Youtube:http://youtu.be/GplSvb9p7_k - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Sustainability objective:-Promote the conservation of species. -Developing learner autonomy. Other: 19 LUXEMBOURG 20 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Parcel Pass Lycée Technique Agricole 72, Avenue Salentiny L-9080 Ettelbruck Luxembourg Phone : +352 81 85 25 1 Fax : +352 81 21 70 [email protected] www.lta.lu Principal : Mrs Martine HANSEN Description of good practice: Every agriculture student must rent a parcel (generally from his family enterprise) of a minimum size of 1 ha. During his final year, he must run this parcel and produce cereals. The student must apply all theoretical knowledge that he has learned in the former years at college. 21 Picture of the project Problem or challenge this project is facing: The students must try to manage this field considering a maximum of ecological aspects: (Minimum fertiliser; maximum of biological treatment) 22 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: At the beginning of the season, the students must set up a plan of seed, fertilizers and plant protection. They try to use a minimum of fertilizers and a maximum of Integrated Crop Management. Material/Technology: - All traditional cultivating machines - Biological products (insects …) - Seed Every student must present the results of his field in front of his class, teachers and coaches! After harvesting the cereals, he must present the financial report and compare it to the classical way of cultivating (generally of his father’s enterprise). The challenge is to maximize the financial profit with the lowest possible chemical input. Persons: Serge Heuschling ([email protected]) Guy Reiland ([email protected]) Ronny Krier ([email protected]) Strengths of the Project: The students learn to take initiative as well as responsibilities. They learn to adapt their plan if health conditions of their cereals are not as foreseen. On this small scale project (minimum 1 ha) they learn perfectly how to manage larger cereal fields in future. Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Links: www.lippmann.lu www.lta.lu www.asta.lu www.ser.lu - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: Students are in close contact to the “Centre de Recherche Gabriel Lippmann” that has developed multidisciplinary expertise in environment and agro-biotechnologies, following strategic lines of development and innovation in the sustainable management of geohydrosystems and territory development: hydro-climatology, hydrogeology, pedology, bioclimatology, climatic change, natural risks, remote sensing, environmental modelisation, hydrogeochemistry, water, soil and air pollution; This scientific research is the basis for applied Integrated Crop Management. 23 POLAND 24 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Visit to biogas plant in Boleszyn. School / institution / enterprise: Biogazownia w Boleszynie Boleszyn 7 13-308 Mroczno http://www.biogal.pl/ Contact: http://www.biogal.pl/index.php?id=6 Description of good practice/project: Study visit for students and other activities encourage the implementation of energy efficiency investments in agriculture. Activities in this bring a double benefit - possible not only to reduce emissions, but they benefit the people makers. Although agriculture is not a very energy-intensive sector of the economy, it is the many opportunities for increasing energy efficiency, including in animal husbandry, cultivation under protected cultivation in work. Example biogas plants do not exhaust all possible ways of protecting the climate in agriculture, however, point to a wide range of possible actions, the implementation of which can contribute to effective climate protection. Many of these activities can also be used in Poland. 25 Problem or challenge this project is facing: Students learned how important it is to lower CH4 emissions for climate protection. Also know the benefits that bring the use of biogas for local communities - to increase energy security, create new jobs. Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: A group of students at an agricultural school in Gołotczyzna visited to biogas to meet its activities and the whole process of biogas production. Biogas plant in Boleszyn is a very big investment, one of the first in the region. Students spent whole day there. They met production engineer. Material/Technology: School bus. Persons: Teacher and headmaster. Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: • To promote the use of renewable energy sources (RES). • Agriculture can be a source of raw materials for the production of renewable energy (energy crops, biofuels), • The possibility of using renewable energy as a source of energy used in agricultural production; http://www.biogaz.com.pl/ Links: - Youtube / Vimeo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwgCcRKMlbo http://www.wfosigw.olsztyn.pl/index.php?a rt_id=31&type=aktualnosci&full=1270&sp=3 - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: 26 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Growing vegetables under cover. Young farmer’s activity. Enterprise: Voivodeship – Wielkopolskie Poviat - Konin Gmina – Kazimierz Biskupi Person of contact: privet address. Description of good practice/project: The young farmer runs agricultural activity in a holding with an area of ca. 20 ha. A vast area of the holding is covered by meadows. It is a boggy area which needs drainage. The remaining part of a holding includes a cherry orchard and strawberry plantations. In order to increase the income, the young farmer decided to start growing vegetables under cover. He has also made use of the so-called droplet irrigation system. Apart from traditional agricultural production, we have increasing interest in specialized production, such as organic farming and integrated farming. Problem or challenge this project is facing: Application of covers proves to be effective in the case of thermophile plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. This cultivation method provides better growing conditions at lower labour input. Construction of tunnels has accelerated harvesting by ca. 2 months. 27 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The construction of two tunnels with an area of 210 m2 each, where farmer grows tomatoes and cucumbers. The farmer was the beneficiary EU founds. Material/Technology: -Two tunnels with an area of 210 m2 each, - Droplet irrigation system Persons: - Strengths of the Project: - Method provides Better growing conditions Tunnels have accelerated harvesting by ca. 2 months. Young farmer, private person. Communication & Dissemination: http://ksow.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/ksow.p l/pliki/BIBLIOTEKA/PROW_i_RYBY_plen.pdf Other: Farm is recommended as an example of good practices in agricultural sector. 28 SPAIN 29 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Finca “El mato”. Permacultura School / institution / enterprise: Finca el Mato. Permacultura C/ Miranda s/n Tacoronte. Tenerife Islas Canarias. España e-mail: [email protected] Person of contact: Javier Reyes Barroso Tel: 609010664 Description of good practice/project: Since 2001 the Finca El Mato became Special Employment Centre . Finca El Mato aims to facilitate social inclusion of people with severe mental disabilities illness by participating in a farm based on permaculture principles. Today the farm employs 11 mentally handicapped workers at full time that. The farm produces vegetables that are sold in boxes directly to the consumers. There are also animals. The project permitted the exchange, transfer and application of this innovative activity (confluence of permaculture with rehabilitation and therapy) with different bodies and entities as AFES (Canary Association of Families with Mental Illness), La Laguna University, councils of the island, the net of Mental Health Resources in the Canaries, ... The principles of permaculture conceive vital development of social groups through a design and creation of sustainable human environments, with the aim of organizing ecologically responsible, economically viable and that are sustainable in the long term. Problem or challenge this project is facing: - How to facilitate social inclusion of people with severe mental disabilities, creating jobs for them and for the promoters (a family), in a sustainable farm. 30 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The promoters of the project are Javier Reyes Barroso and his girlfriend Dácil Mazuelas Repetto. They are the managers and organizers of the activities. They live in the farm. Material/Technology: 11 persons with mental disabilities work in the farm from 8 a.m to 13 p.m -Bioclimatic hall for conferences -1 Hectare of land -Stables and facilities for farm animals - Solar panels Persons: - 2 manager-trainer - 11 workers Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Strengths of the Project: This is considered as a “Life project”, no as just a job. Is way of living in a “permaculture” farm, working with disable people that are integrated in the society, selling their vegetables and enjoying the life. Owners afford all their energy. Other: They are in touch and collaborate with the green VET school of Tacoronte, municipality of Tacoronte, the University of La Laguna, Yoga centers, local government of Tenerife (Cabildo of Tenerife), etc. Most of the bodies and people of the island know this project. Personal contact is the way used, not Internet. Links: - Web: - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: They started the Project in 1998 31 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Silvoarable systems: combining valuable timber production and agriculture Institution/school: Sustainable Forest Management Unit Forest Sciences Center of Catalonia (CTFC) Ctra. Vella Sant Llorenç de Morunys Km. 2 E-25280 Solsona, Lleida, Spain http://ags.ctfc.cat/ Person of contact: [email protected]; [email protected] Description of good practice/project: Silvoarable systems consist on the combination at the same space and time of forestry (generally valuable timber production species, as walnut, cherry, ash, maple) and agricultural production. Tree rows are displayed in a manner that they do not interact with agricultural mechanized management, thus the distance between rows is accurately chosen. These systems imply productive gains between 10-30% in comparison with pure systems, because of the positive interactions (facilitation) between tree and crop systems: trees reduce wind speed and thus its drying effect on crops, apart from contributing with nutrients and an improvement of soil structure and soil organic matter, they host predators of crop pests, etc. Trees get benefited by agricultural management, by using the fertilizers that are lixiviated into deep soil layers and because of weed control. Problem or challenge this project is facing: Modern agricultural practices imply a massive use of resources (petrol, herbicides, and fertilizers) that are expensive for the producer and that have a negative impact on the environment. This use could be considerably reduced by the creation of more integrative systems that keep or even increase global production while diversifying the productions and the agri-ecosystems, with environmental benefits: soil and water protection, landscape and biodiversity conservation. 32 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: Modern silvoarable systems are well-known in central Europe, with more than 3,000 ha in France. In order to study the adaptation of silvoarable systems to Mediterranean conditions a 5 ha experience was settled in Prats de Rei (Catalonia, Spain), where walnut and ash were combined with the regular crop rotation in the area (wheat and barley) Material/Technology: - 200 hybrid walnut (Juglans x intermedia) MJ209xRa 40/60 cm - 200 narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) 20/25 cm Strengths of the Project: This is the first mid-scale experience of silvoarable system with cereals and valuable broadleaved species in Spain. The experimental monitoring includes a detailed analysis on the annual diameter and height growth, leaf water potential of trees and crop, crop production at different distances of the tree rows. Trees were planted at a frame of 5x20 m, 2 each with 1 m plastic mulch (for avoiding weed impacts) and a 60 cm shelter. Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Links: - Sustainable Forest Management Unit - European Agroforestry Federation - SAFE project Videos (French): - Agroforesterie, produire autrement - Agroforesterie, enjeux et perspectives Pictures: Agroforestry landscapes Other: This field experience has been supported by the Forest Ownership Center (CPF). Catalan Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and the Natural Environment. Spain. 33 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Organic farming and nature preservation in areas of high environmental value School / institution / enterprise: Riet Vell, S.A. Ctra. Amposta – Urb Eucaliptus, Km. 18,5 43870-Amposta. Tf.: 976254818. [email protected], www.rietvell.com ) Person of contact: Juan Carlos Cirera Martínez Director Description of good practice/project: The Ebro Delta is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Most of its surface is occupied by rice fields and to a lesser extent, marshes and lagoons. Paddy fields are perfectly integrated in the ecosystem and in fact are a key element for the conservation of this environment. But conventional rice cultivation requires numerous chemicals that are the source of some environmental problems affecting the area. The environmental organization SEO / BirdLife 2001 prompted the creation of a company, Riet Vell, SA, for the production and marketing of organic rice in the Ebro Delta. Organic rice fields are much more favorable for biological diversity, although the agricultural productivity is lower than in conventional ones. Riet Vell, SA. created a lagoon and an information center inside his farm, which offers awareness programs and environmental education and volunteer program exists permanently. The farm Riet Vell has become one of the best areas of the Ebro delta for birding. Organic Rice Riet Vell is packed with brand and marketed by the company. Problem or challenge this project is facing: To produce organic rice is difficult in this type of areas, with a great homogeneous surface of paddies, without possibility of crop rotation and with a great salinity. The challenge of the project is to demonstrate that despite these difficulties the production of organic rice can be viable based on the environmental benefits generated and the quality of the product. 34 Organization & Management of the activity/project: The project started in 1997 by the environmental NGO SEO / BirdLife. In 2001, was created the company Riet Vell, SA by 200 shareholders and having SEO/Birdlife as the main shareholder. Most of the holders are members and supporters of SEO /Birdlife as well.. The company maintains four lines of work: - Production of organic rice farming on his farm Ebro Delta - Collaboration on studies and projects - Public use and environmental education - Marketing of rice and other value-added products with a similar profile as organic wheat pasta or honey. Strengths of the Project: Initiate organic rice production. A very difficult crop but very appropriate in an area as environmentally valuable as the Ebro Delta is. This rice has a growing demand and high market potential. The project is pioneer in marketing of organic products linked to environmental conservation, with an important added value that is reflected in the packaging and transmitted to the final consumer. - Diversification of activities on farms in the Ebro Delta, combining production, public use, marketing and carrying out studies. Resources needed: Material/Technology: - Constant innovation is required in the production of organic rice because the difficulty involving the crop and the lack of previous experience in the area. - The farm maintains infrastructure for public use with housing for volunteers, an information center and visitor reception, interpretation trails and a wildlife observatory in the existing 8 ha lagoon that exists in the farm. - Office and warehouse for distribution and marketing of rice and other products Persons: 2 agricultural workers, 1 administrative worker, 1responsable for public use and the manager Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Links: - Web: www.rietvell.com http://www.seo.org/cataluna/reservanatural-de-riet-vell-tarragona/ - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: Awards and recognitions: 1999. -Special Mention by the Henry Ford Foundation. 2003. -Europarc "European Day of Parks 2003, protected areas and sustainable development". -Natural Products Fair of London, Riet Vell awarded by its rice marketed in Britain by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). 2004. -Ashoka Foundation Award. -Award of the Soil Association from UK to Riet Vell rice marketed in Britain by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). 2005. -Awards Ecogourmets to organic food. -Finalist in The World Challenge Awards, sponsored by BBC World News, Newsweek and Shell. 2007. Award-Fira de Reus and Hospitality Forum Moderal the Products Riet Vell. 2009. -Prize Foundation Biodiversity Leadership, Innovation and Environmental Communication in the Innovation in Action category. 2010. -Biodiversity Awards Finalist Awards 2010, awarded by the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) and United Business Media (UBM). 35 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Experience of no-till in the organic farm of the school “CECA Manresa” School / institution / enterprise: CECA de Manresa Avda. Universitària 4-6 (Edifici FUB) 08242 Manresa Tel. 00 34 938749060 [email protected] www.gencat.cat/agricultura/eca/manresa Persons of contact: Glòria Colom / Jaume Brustenga School’s farm Description of good practice/project: According to the principles of the association RegenAG, we are going to start an experience that will reduce tillage and introduce animal traction in the organic farm of the school. Problem or challenge this project is facing: Till increase the mineralization of the soil humus, increase the erosion of the soil upper organic lay and spends fuel. So, tillage increases carbon emissions into the atmosphere. If we reduce tillage we are going to reduce carbon emissions as well. 36 Organization & Management of the activity/project: 1) 2) 3) 4) Training the manager of the project/farm Translation of bibliographic sources Contact with local and international experts Buying and constructing of specific machinery for animals and for tractors 5) Field experiences 6) Writing of results 7) Transfer and diffusion of results Strengths of the Project: Innovation Students’s proposal Resources needed: Material/Technology: - Roller/crimper - No-till planter and transplanter - Horse Persons: Manager of the project/farm (Jaume Brustenga) Workers of the farm Students of school Communication & Dissemination: No results yet Links: - Web: www.regenag.com/ www.rodaleinstitute.org/ - Youtube / Vimeo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW4mw VJPS9A - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: 37 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Renewable energy sources in the organic agricultural school of “CECA Manresa” School / institution / enterprise: CECA de Manresa Avda. Universitària 4-6 (Edifici FUB) 08242 Manresa Tel. 00 34 938749060 [email protected] www.gencat.cat/agricultura/eca/manresa Person of contact: Glòria Colom / Jaume Brustenga Description of good practice/project: To use of solar thermic and photovoltaic, wind power and biomass energy to cover part of thermic and electrical needs of the practical farm of the school. Problem or challenge this project is facing: Reduce of fossil fuel use. Reduce of carbon emissions. 38 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The project is integrated into the training course of 1000 hours/year in renewable energy that the agricultural VET school of Manresa is carrying out in collaboration with other institutions. Teachers and students work in the project. One of the teaches is the manager of the farm and coordinate the project Material/Technology: - Thermic solar panels - Photovoltaic solar panels - Micro wind power turbines - Biomass boiler - Solar kitchen and solar drier The school does the maintenance of the facilities. Persons: Manager of the farm (Jaume Brustenga) Energy Training Coordinators Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: - Demonstrative technology Reduction of fuel costs Reduction of electrical costs Links: - Web: - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: 39 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Bio-Sustainable management techniques of organic waste: composting, vermicomposting and biogas School / institution / enterprise: Institut d’Horticultura i Jardineria Ayutovia de Bellisens s/n Km 3. 43204 Reus Tel: 977753929 [email protected] http://www.hortojardi.com Person of contact: Francesc Piñol Blay Description of good practice/project: -Managing waste and agricultural products. -Reusing organic waste in agricultural production The activities being carried out include: • Analysis of waste and reusable products. • Waste management: waste biomanagement by the three aforementioned techniques and analysis of their agronomic performance: -Quilted or direct subtraction. -Production of composite piles. -Biogas generation. -Vermicomposting. -Reuse of waste. 40 Problem or challenge this project is facing: -Obtaining different types of organic quilted organic garden, fruit trees and native-like organic soil protection in ornamental trees. - Obtaining different types of agricultural waste -Using vermicomposting techniques for obtaining earthworm mulch. - Getting renewable energy through Bio Management waste using anaerobic fermentation techniques using bacteria that produce biogas. Vermicomposting process Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: The students, in groups led by teachers involved in the project, take measures in the process of composting and vermicomposting, finally applying the product resulting from the process in different areas (plant production, utilization of biogas for heating of a greenhouse, etc ...) Material/Technology: -Containers for carrying the worm composting -Worms -Bio-digester Persons: -The whole team of teachers from the school and its students Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: -Managing agricultural residues, especially those generated by the school can be a problem both environmental and logistics management. School’s magazine, Web, presentations and conferences - The reuse of waste in the plant production Links: - Web: http://www.hortojardi.com Bio-digester Other: 41 COPCHAVET Project: “Coping with Challenges on Vocational Education and Training” “Good practices in agricultural (green) sector: Environment & Climate Change” Save irrigation water and study physical, chemical and microbiological effects of suspended shade sloth covers on stored water for irrigation School / institution / enterprise: CIFEA DE MOLINA DE SEGURA Avda. Gutiérrez Mellado, 17 30500 – Molina de Segura – Murcia - Spain Tlf: +34 968 64 33 99 Fax: +34 968 64 34 33 e-mail: [email protected] https://www.murciaeduca.es/ccamolinadesegura/sitio/ Person of contact: D. Pedro Angosto Cano Description of good practice/project: The main objective of this project is to save water. Murcia is one of driest region in Europe. We are interested in calculate how much water we could save by cover the agricultural water reservoirs which are usually open and exposed to the evaporation effects, especially in this latitudes where we have long summer periods with average of maximum temperatures of 33º C and sharp points of 45º C. Afterwards we will transfer the result of our experiences to farmers. Other collateral aims are to identify the effect of installing suspended shade cloth covers on the water quality Problem or challenge this project is facing: In arid and semiarid regions such as the south-eastern Spain, on farm agricultural water reservoirs which are used by many farmers and water agencies to manage irregular water allocation for irrigation, are characterized by a large area to volume ratio, which implies substantial loss through evaporation, often representing a significant fraction of the total water managed during the irrigation season, especially in areas with a high evaporative demand. Besides, agricultural water reservoirs present a second substantial drawback; a high nutrient loading that induces frequent algal blooms, resulting in serious water quality problems that can be of particular concern for drip irrigation systems. 42 Organization & Management of the activity/project: Resources needed: This is a research project developed by three institutions: Material/Technology: - Four agricultural water reservoir for irrigation. Two of them uncovered. The two other covered with suspended shade cloth covers made of double black polyethylene fabric. - Technical equipment ETSI AGRONOMIC UNIVERSITY OF CARTAGENA CEBAS-CSIC – Centro de Edafología y Biología aplicada del Segura - MURCIA CIFEA – Centro Integrado de Formación y Experiencias Agrarias de MOLINA DE SEGURA Persons: D. Victoriano Martínez D. Emilio Nicolás D. Virgilo Plana Strengths of the Project: Communication & Dissemination: (Where to find more information) Integrated co-participation by research, training and technologic transference institutions which will make an effective dissemination and implementation of result got in this Project. Knowledge and new technologic development for saving water and improving water quality. Links: - Web: http://www.upct.es/iaea/index.php - Youtube / Vimeo: - Picasa / Flick: - Facebook: Other: The CIFEA was awarded with the “Sustainable Development Prize 2009” by getting the EMAS “The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme” certificate. 43