Existing agricultural curricula should be transformed to better integrate education on the ecological impacts of agricultural practices and to increase future farmers’ exposure to diverse and sustainable farming models. Agricultural training programmes should include dedicated modules explaining the environmental consequences of different farming systems and the importance of protecting ecosystems, including pollinators.

This reform should not only introduce new content but update and adapt current curricula so that future farmers are trained in sustainable agricultural techniques. Agricultural education should also play a role in making farming more attractive for new generations, by highlighting innovative, environmentally responsible farming models and by encouraging more people to enter the profession. Awareness should be increased about the reasons for transforming agricultural models.

Agricultural schools and training institutions should implement these changes in their curricula, with support from national governments. Governments should also encourage partnerships between training institutions, farmers and research organisations to ensure that the latest sustainable techniques are integrated into agricultural education. The European Commission and EU Member States should reform and implement the CAP to better support this transition taking into account local sensitivies in the scoring system. Member States should integrate these objectives into their national CAP strategic plans, ensure that funding mechanisms reflect sustainability goals. Regional authorities should also play a role in adapting implementation to local farming realities, soil conditions and environmental needs.