Agreement reached on agriculture training

Citation

(2003), "Agreement reached on agriculture training", Education + Training, Vol. 45 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2003.00445cab.013

Agreement reached on agriculture training

Agreement reached on agriculture training

European farm employers and agricultural workers have reached agreement on a way of raising the skill levels of farm employees and encouraging free movement of farm workers within the EU. The agreement was negotiated and adopted within the European social-dialogue committee for agriculture between GEOPA-COPA (farm employers) and EFFAT (representing agricultural workers). Welcoming the agreement, the employment and social affairs commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou, said: "It tackles recognition of non-formal learning and labour mobility head on. Both of these elements are crucial in helping Europe to address the lack of skilled workers in farming and to adapt to structural change."

GEOPA-COPA and EFFAT see the agreement as an important step in implementing the Lisbon strategy for a more competitive, job-rich Europe. They accept the challenge of improving employment and raising the level of vocational qualifications for agricultural workers, and advocate a joint approach to validation and recognition of formal and non-formal education throughout the EU.

The agreement proposes a number of initiatives to national organizations representing agricultural employers and employees, member-state authorities and the Commission. They include:

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  involving social partners in the organization of professional training;

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  establishing skill assessments;

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  recognizing non-formal training and qualifications;

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  making the current system of diplomas and certificates easier to understand; and

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  establishing a professional reference point, including vocational qualifications and skills.