Smart Agro-Innovation and Training Action (SAGITTA)
| Project title | Smart Agro-Innovation and Training Action (SAGITTA) |
| Source of funding | Interreg IPA Hungary – Serbia 2021–2027 |
| Project partners | Lead partner::
“Pro Scientia Naturae” Foundation, Serbia Project partners 1. Fund for European Affairs and Development of the AP of Vojvodina |
| Project area | O2.1 Education and lifelong learning |
| Project duration | 36 months
from September 1, 2025 until August 31, 2028 |
| Project description | Overall project objective
P2 – Enhancing the human and cultural values Overall project objective O2.1 Education and lifelong learning The project seeks to enhance the region’s economic performance and cultural development by providing fair access to education and training, while promoting lifelong learning in the agricultural sector. By leveraging digitalization, innovation, and accessible educational infrastructure, SAGITTA aims to equip participants with skills aligned with the evolving labor market, thereby unlocking the untapped potential of the agricultural sector. As part of the project, partners will share knowledge and jointly develop inclusive adult training materials, which will be translated and exchanged across the border to ensure reciprocity, compatibility, and transferability. The project’s cross-border impact will further be demonstrated through knowledge exchange among partners, study visits, and the sharing of specialized adult training materials. SAGITTA aims to boost the region’s agricultural and economic performance through the modernization of agriculture and the promotion of lifelong learning. Expected results The project is expected to deliver new digital training materials and cutting-edge resources in three areas: viticulture, natural resource conservation, and agri-digitalization, with programs accredited on both sides of the border. Three new adult education programs will be introduced to the target groups during the second half of the project. Each program can receive accreditation valid for five years, and educational institutions will reliably extend the licenses to support future implementation. The developed materials may later be adapted for vocational education. The equipment, together with all supporting resources—including the digital textbook and additional training materials—will represent key outcomes of the project. The educator training materials will be accredited and later expanded in both countries. A major outcome will be the creation of a new viticulture training center, comprising two interconnected lecture halls, a fully equipped wine laboratory, and a training cellar with hospitality facilities, designed to allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Two solar-powered educational containers, fully equipped with digital and laboratory equipment, will be acquired and deployed at designated sites to facilitate joint training. The plan also includes the acquisition of two electric vehicles. The new facilities will provide optimal conditions for high-quality education and ensure equal access for the target groups, fostering a skilled workforce in the region and adding value by supporting the development of local agriculture. As a result of FEP’s communication and awareness-raising activities, adult education will become more visible in the region, stimulating interest among the local population and attracting students from other areas. Main activities The Hungarian-Serbian cross-border region has long been well-suited for high-value sustainable agriculture. Yet, recent studies and statistics reveal that three critical elements are lacking for the sector’s full development: 1) high-quality adult training programs, 2) a modern, skilled workforce, and 3) the integration of technological innovations in agri-digitalization. SAGITTA seeks to tackle these challenges by incorporating three new courses into the regional vocational and adult education offerings. In line with Objective 2.1, by launching inclusive training programs of varying formats and durations, a greater number of people in the region will gain access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. As part of the project, partners share expertise and collaboratively develop inclusive adult training materials in natural resource conservation, agri-digitalization, and viticulture. To ensure reciprocity, these materials will be translated, adapted, and implemented on both sides of the border, promoting interoperability for participants and transferability for training institutions. The creation of modern, digital curricula in these areas addresses key gaps in the regional and local vocational and adult education offerings, while fostering the development of human and cultural capital. SAGITTA emphasizes both theoretical and practical learning. Through the digitalization of educational materials and the integration of innovative augmented reality and electronic solutions, the project strengthens resilience in remote and online education. To foster an optimal learning environment and offer participants greater access to quality adult education, the project partners are enhancing their educational tools by acquiring advanced technology for practical training and establishing accessible educational infrastructure on both sides of the border. The infrastructure upgrades are designed to offer a dedicated educational and practical space for long-term adult training, serving participants from both sides of the border. These activities further foster green and digital skills, enhancing participants’ employability and career prospects within the region. To promote the training programs and innovative technologies, the project partners will reach target groups through a comprehensive communication campaign, including online promotion, live information events, professional programs, study visits, open days, wine marketing activities, promotional videos, and scientific publications. SAGITTA is expected to exert a significant strategic impact on the cross-border community, as new training opportunities in high-demand occupations will help curb outmigration by allowing graduates to pursue high-value professional careers close to their homes and within their region. SAGITTA also creates the necessary conditions to stimulate currently less active agricultural sectors, contributing to both micro- and macroeconomic recovery. Target groups: While the project engages multiple segments of society, its main beneficiaries will be individuals and prospective students eager to acquire and enhance professional skills in natural resource conservation, agricultural machinery, precision farming, and viticulture. The new services will advance adult education and actively include socially excluded and vulnerable groups. Within the framework of social inclusion, the project will provide equal educational opportunities to marginalized communities, minority groups, and persons with disabilities. Educators will also gain from the training, acquiring proficiency in using augmented reality technology and the newly developed digital textbook. The training programs will also target agribusiness stakeholders and farmers. Launching new courses is essential for both sides, as the region faces a declining student population due to depopulation and limited interest among youth. |
| More information | https://www.instagram.com/sagitta_euproject/ |
