New Online Basic Course for future organic advisors: Registrations open!

The OrganicAdviceNetwork project will offer a new Online Basic Course, designed to introduce participants to the core principles and practices of organic farming and advice. The course begins on 13November 2025 and consists of 12 online sessions, each focusing on a key aspectof organic agriculture and advisory services.

The Basic Course serves as an entry point for those wishing to explore the professional field of organic advisory work. It provides participants with the necessary background knowledge to understand the role of organic advisors and the broader context of organic agriculture in Europe.

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The course is particularly suited for:

·       Students of agricultural sciences or related disciplines

·       Recent graduates seeking orientation in the organic sector

·       Early-career professionals and individuals interested in becoming organic farming advisors

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Over the course of 12 sessions, participants will gain a foundational understanding of organicfarming systems and the diverse topics relevant to advisory work in this field. Each session is led by experienced professionals and experts, offering both theoretical input and insights into the practical realities of organic advisory services. To support networking and peer learning, the course also includes dedicated online forums where participants can exchange ideas, ask questions, and jointly reflecton the course content.

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Course agenda

13-Nov-25       Organic Farming: A Historical Introduction to the Organic Family

20-Nov-25       Organic Principles: Values and Legal Foundations incl. Certification and Control

27-Nov-25       Systems Thinking: Soil Fertility as a Core Example

04-Dec-25       Crop Production: Managing Nutrients inOrganic Systems

11-Dec-25        Pest and Disease Control: Strategies forSustainable Plant Protection

18-Dec-25       Weed Control: Strategies and Practicesin Organic Farming
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Christmas Break          

15-Jan-26          Animal Husbandry: Livestock in Organic Agriculture

22-Jan-26          Animal Welfare: Health and Wellbeing in Organic Systems

29-Jan-26          Agrobiodiversity: Seeds, Breeding, and Genetic Resources  

05-Feb-26         Climate Adaptation: Strategies forOrganic Farming Systems

12-Feb-26         Value Addition: Marketing and Consumer Interaction in Organics

19-Feb-26         Conversion to Organic: Benefits and Challenges

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Each session includes presentations, practical examples, Q&A sessions, self-assessment tests and additional materials (factsheets, videos, podcasts etc.) to explore topics at your ownpace. The course materials and recordings will be made available to registered participants.

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The course will be offered on the new online learning and exchange platform OrganicAdviceNetwork.space and will be free of charge.

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The Online Basic Course is part of the wider activities of the OrganicAdviceNetwork, a project aimed at strengthening advisory capacities and networks across Europe.