MDU research paves the way for sustainable agriculture in Europe
The EU-funded project RELIEF, are aimed at accelerating the green transition of Europe's food system.
Resource scarcity, climate change, and a widening skills gap are among the most pressing challenges facing agriculture in Sweden and across Europe. At Mälardalen University (MDU), researchers are tackling these issues through the EU-funded project RELIEF, aimed at accelerating the green transition of Europe's food system.
RELIEF – euRopean bio-Economy aLliancE in Farming is a collaborative research project focused on strengthening knowledge and skills in the field of bioeconomy as it relates to agriculture. By developing free, accessible learning resources for both higher education and vocational training, the project supports a more sustainable and digitally advanced agricultural sector.
Educational materials in five languages
The RELIEF training materials cover key topics such as sustainable farming, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, circular economy, and bio-based products. Available in five languages, the materials have been piloted in Sweden, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus – with highly positive feedback from learners and educators.
At MDU, Professor Hailong Li, an expert in energy engineering, has led the development of the Controlled Environment Agriculture module. He worked in collaboration with Jan Skvaril, researcher in energy and environmental engineering; Lara Carvalho, researcher in environmental engineering; and Anders Avelin, university lecturer and head of the Division of Sustainable Energy Systems at the School of Business, Society and Engineering.
This module includes courses on vertical farming, sustainable cultivation in controlled environments, and business models for the agriculture of the future. Three of the courses have already been successfully piloted.
Buildning a more resilient agricultural system
Through RELIEF, MDU demonstrates how academic research can make a real-world impact – equipping future farmers, educators, and innovators with the tools needed to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system in Europe.
Access the training materials here:
- https://elearning.relief.uop.gr/
External link. - RELIEF- euRopean bio-Economy aLliancE in Farming – Mälardalens universitet External link.
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