SMART-CSA

Future-Oriented Training for Urban & Peri-Urban Farming

Smart farming, permaculture and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Urban and peri-urban farming is increasingly important for food security, climate resilience and access to fresh local produce, yet it operates under strong constraints: limited space, land pressure, water and resource challenges, and the need to remain economically viable. At the same time, digital and “smart” tools (monitoring, automation support, data-informed decisions) can significantly improve efficiency and sustainability, but adoption is often blocked by skills gaps, lack of tailored training, and weak links between technology and workable business models.
Permaculture and CSA models provide a robust foundation—regenerative practices, diversified systems, short supply chains and community-backed stability—but they also require specific competencies in system design, planning, stakeholder mobilisation and farm management. SMART-CSA responds to the need to combine these approaches into a coherent learning journey that blends evidence-based research, accessible digital micro-learning, and hands-on field training, backed by a practical certification approach aligned with European frameworks.

Objectives

• Build a robust evidence base through policy review, site visits and stakeholder mapping focused on sustainability, permaculture and CSA.
• Design and deliver a Digital Training Lab (micro-learning) on smart farming tailored to urban and peri-urban contexts.
• Implement hands-on field training and a practical certification pathway for sustainable farming competencies.
• Support employability and reskilling, including learners with fewer opportunities (such as NEETs), through accessible formats.
• Create strong dissemination and stakeholder engagement through structured events, webinars and a final conference.

Targets

Urban and peri-urban farmers, new entrants, unemployed/reskilling learners (including NEETs), VET trainers, researchers/experts, local authorities and agri-food stakeholders.

Results

• Policy analysis, site visits and large-scale stakeholder mapping outputs.
• A research report, CSA business model guidance and expert workshops.
• A micro-learning curriculum and video resources piloted and supported through a digital platform with tracking features.
• A programme of workshops and field visits delivering practical skills and supporting digital certification.
• Continuous outreach through webinars, national events and a final conference.