The I-Restart project, part of the European Commission’s Pact for Skills initiative, aims to address skills gaps in the agri-food ecosystem by providing targeted education and training programs. The Pact, launched in November 2020, focuses on upskilling and reskilling workers across key sectors, including agri-food, to support Europe’s green and digital transitions.
I-Restart works closely with industry stakeholders, vocational training providers, and public authorities to ensure that both current and future workforce needs are met. The project will develop and pilot training programs tailored to the specific demands of the sector, focusing on high-demand areas such as sustainability, biotechnology, food science, and more. By incorporating feedback and fine-tuning these programs, I-Restart aims to offer effective solutions for job retention, competitiveness, and workforce attractiveness in the agri-food ecosystem.
Additionally, I-Restart builds on existing projects like FooD-STA and ASKFOOD, contributing to the overall roadmap for improving skills in the sector. With more than 99% of agri-food companies being SMEs, the project also emphasizes the need for soft skills and business management training for these smaller enterprises. Ultimately, I-Restart will help the agri-food ecosystem adapt to challenges like globalization, climate change, and evolving consumer demands, while improving job opportunities and working conditions across the sector.
