1. Organic farmers share one big fear: crop protection Organic farmers are constantly afraid of having to deal with difficulties for the control of pests and diseases in their production, since the use of agrochemicals is strictly prohibited in organic agriculture, discouraging farmers from converting into organic farming. Are you one of them? Do you know that European citizens are getting more aware about organic products? Do you know that Europe had in 2009 the larger share in global organic food sales and is now among the leaders in the global organic food sales, an increasingly competitive market? Grow on this opportunity! With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

2. Organic products meet the consumers demand for authentic, high quality and tasty food. The awareness of the European citizens in terms of healthy and environmentally friendly products has been increasing and Europe in 2009 had the largest share in global organic food sales. The annual market growth for organic products is between 10-15%. In 2012, the European Union established a partnership agreement with the United States of America for the trade of organic products. The organics sector in the United States and European Union is valued at roughly 40 billion combined, and is rising every year. The growth in organic farming is creating more employment opportunities and wealth for rural economies and contributes to the maintenance and improvement of rural landscapes. (EC, Agriculture and Rural development, Organic Farming) With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

3. ecoplanta is here to support, improve, enhance, upgrade and advance the skills and competences of farmers and agricultural workers in organic plant protection. ecoplanta is a 24-month initiative, developed by a transnational consortium of six expert actors from five countries i.e. Romania, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Switzerland with complementary skills and expertise in Organic Farming, Research, Training, Business and Consulting. Our aim is to support the creation of green jobs by facilitating farmers to become organic growers and improving their employability while promoting environmental friendly land use in agriculture. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

4. ecoplanta Improves low-skilled farmers and agricultural workers basic skills in organic pest and disease control Enables farmers to take advantage of opportunities that improve their position in the labour market Makes VET in the agriculture more responsive to labour market needs Provides VET trainers with adequate innovative methodological tools and resources to address the needs of farmers and agricultural workers With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

5. Good to know market price for organic products is considerably higher consumers are willing to pay for food quality, animal welfare and environmental protection many organic farms sell directly through box schemes, farmers markets and farm shops the path to organic agriculture creates green jobs and improves farmers employability environmental friendly land use and agriculture Organic farming. The natural choice. With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

6. www.ecoplanta.eu facebook.com/ecoplanta twitter.com/ecoplantaeu Find our group on LinkedIn Find out more With the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Union. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.