Erasmus Start Up Bio

Programme: Erasmus+
Duration: 24 months
Target Countries: Italy + Mediterranean partner countries
Target Participants: 320 total (80 per country): young aspiring organic farmers and entrepreneurs converting to organic
Format: ICT-based digital training (video, self-tutorials, e-learning) + European Organic Agriculture Incubator

Project Overview

The organic agriculture sector has been growing continuously for over a decade worldwide. Against this backdrop, Start Up Bio addresses the primary challenge of facilitating the transition from conventional to organic farming and supporting the consequent innovation processes in agricultural enterprises. The project develops and tests innovative ICT-based training tools for young aspiring organic start-up farmers and for active agricultural entrepreneurs seeking to convert their production systems. By creating employment through organic agriculture, with a special focus on youth, Start Up Bio promotes generational renewal in the primary sector.

Objectives

• Develop innovative ICT-based training tools to support qualification and upskilling of primary sector operators
• Train 320 organic farming operators across partner countries (80 per country)
• Create a European Virtual Incubator for Organic Agriculture supporting new enterprise creation
• Promote generational renewal in the primary sector through youth-focused organic farming pathways

Implementation

Training is delivered primarily through digital resources — videos, self-tutorials and e-learning paths — ensuring flexibility and accessibility for participants in rural and peripheral areas. The European Incubator for Organic Agriculture provides tailored support services complementing the training offer. Selection involves screening of around 150 curricula and interviews with approximately 100 potential participants per country. An Open European Call will be disseminated at Month 12 of the project.

Expected Results

• Digital educational materials for viral training in organic agriculture
• E-learning pathways for new organic farmers
• A European Virtual Incubator for new organic enterprise creation
• Support for at least 10 new organic enterprises and 100 conventional-to-organic conversions
• Strengthened local multistakeholder networks supporting sustainable rural development

Start Up Bio turns the organic agriculture opportunity into a concrete professional pathway for young Europeans, building a more sustainable and resilient food system.