The 20th Summer Academy took place in Gyor, Hungary from 27 to 31 August 2023, in cooperation with Széchenyi István University, on the theme of “Changing farming practices to address the climate crisis.”
The Training Event of the REGINA project was incorporated to the 20th Summer Academy organized by the Euracademy Association. Euracademy, a partner in the REGINA project, boasts a rich history in adult education and summer academies. This particular event leveraged the knowledge and wisdom accumulated over 19 previous summer academies, each hosted in distinct locations across Europe, covering diverse themes related to sustainable rural development.
This collaborative event was co-organized in partnership with Széchenyi István University and took place in Győr, Hungary, from August 27th to 31st, 2023. Over the course of four full days, a diverse group of more than 35 participants hailing from 9 different countries, including experts, academics, students, and practitioners, delved into the intricacies of Regenerative Agriculture. Their collective expertise contributed significantly to a broader comprehension of the following key topics.
The main focus of the Summer Academy and Training Event are grouped under three main topics:
1) Defining Regenerative Rural Development: why is regenerative development necessary, and what is the difference between regenerative and sustainable development?
2) Regenerative Agriculture: what it is and what are the different techniques? How can RA contribute to the mitigation of climate change? What are the benefits?
3) Education and Policy for RA: who needs to be educated? What can we learn from good practices across Europe? And what kind of policies are necessary?
DAY 1: “Introduction to regenerative development and regenerative farming, addressing climate crisis”
The first day was dedicated to establishing a foundational comprehension of regenerative farming by featuring keynote speakers and subject matter experts. These speakers introduced captivating subjects for further discussion. Subsequent to their presentations, participants engaged in collaborative small-group sessions to exchange their perspectives and experiences. Below, you will find individual presentations:
Plenary session 1: Introcution to regenerative development and regenerative farming
Keynote speaker: Dr. Wolfgang Sturny: “Towards a climate and soil friendly regenerative agriculture of the future”
Keynote speaker: Prof. Neményi Miklós: “The criteria of sustainability, with particular emphasis on regenerative agriculture and its environment. The role and responsibilitiy of the individual.”
Plenary session 2: Regenerative agriculture: critical issues
Wojtek Kniec: “Regenerative agriculture as a social phenomenon”
Goda Pál/Kennedy Mutua Ndue: “Life Cycle Assessment Perspective for Sectoral Adaptation to Climate Change. Case Study about Environmental Impact Assessment of Pig Production”
DAY 2: “The REGINA project and practical examples”
On the second day, the focus was on education and showcasing the outcomes of the REGINA project. Project partners initiated the proceedings with introductory presentations, which were followed by a dialogue regarding the customization of the learning methodology for diverse educational settings. In the afternoon session, farmers and practitioners shared their valuable insights by presenting successful practices, offering firsthand accounts of applying regenerative agriculture techniques. The day concluded with a delightful cultural event hosted at the Veres Péter Secondary School, featuring a horse-riding show and captivating Hungarian folk dance performances.
Workshop 1: The REGINA project and Methodology
Honvári Patrícia: “Introduction to the REGINA project: aiming for sustainable agriculture and educational methodologies”
Demetris Mylonas: “Results of the REGINA transnational research“
Marco Napoli: “Course methodology: structure and content of the modules“
Beke Dóra: “Optional teaching methods for RA course”
Workshop 2: The REGINA project: Adaptation possibilities
Tamara Urbancic: “Integrating adaptation to climate change into the education of students“
Lara Resman: “Learning methodologies and aspects of RA in adult education: living
laboratories as a new integrative knowledge nexus for RA”
Workshop 3: Best practice examples
Gerard MacMahon: “Farming alongside nature on a commercial Irish dairy farm”
Gerard MacMahon: “Falm Walkthrough – video“
Lili Mahne: “Changing farming practices to address the climate crisis“
Panagiotis Papadopoulos: “Agroecological & Regenerative farming projects and best practices in Greece“
Vér András: “The role of demofarms in climate change mitigation. Implementation of the Climate Farm Demo project in Hungary“
DAY 3: Study Tours
The third day was centered around engaging study trips, or field trips. Attendees were organized into three groups, collectively visiting a total of nine farms that epitomize exemplary regenerative and sustainable farming practices. Participants explored these sites, exchanged their insights, and engaged in dialogues with the farmers to explore ways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of their practices. These study tours placed a greater emphasis on proactive problem-solving and solution-seeking, elevating the significance of the investigations conducted during the visits and the interactions with local communities.
DAY 4: Study Tour Presentations & Evaluation
The last day was devoted to the study tour reports. The groups were invited to approach the study tour as a small real-life project, and propose solutions and further actions that can be also meaningful for the local stakeholders. The reports were presented by each group to the plenary of participants in the afternoon of 31st August.
The concluding segment of the Training Seminar involved an evaluation in which participants had the opportunity to share their perspectives on the event’s organization, their learning experiences, and provide valuable feedback based on their participation. The event closed with the award of diplomas, where all participants gained a written acknowledgement of completing the Training Seminar and Summer Academy.
The Co-green project is part of the CERV funding program – ” Citizens, equality, rights and values ” -, launched by the European Commission in 2021 and active until 2027.The project is funded by the European Commission .
