• eTOMATO MA course

Available courses

Module 1 - Introduction on Multifunctional Agriculture

Contacts:

Joachim Schouteten
Ghent University
joachim.schouteten@ugent.be

Adrienn Molnar
Ghent University
adrienn.molnar@ugent.be

Margo Degieter
Ghent University
margo.degieter@ugent.be


Content:

Lesson 1 - Rural development and Multifunctionality

  • Background
  • Definition of ,rural´
  • Definition of rural development
  • The concept of multifunctionality
  • Fabioland Story telling
  • A social-health Model: the MISS project


Lesson 2 - Business plan and business canvas model

This lesson explains the function of a business plan and how it is written. Further, the concept of a Business Canvas Model will be explained. This lesson will also give an insight into several types of business models.


Lesson 3 – Marketing management

This lesson explains what marketing is. Also, different tools for market analysis and how market analysis leads to marketing strategies will be covered. Finally, the marketing mix will be explained.


Lesson 4 – Financial analysis

This lesson will cover financial analysis. The statements balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and statement of owners’ equity will be explained. Also, the ratios used to understand these statements will be explained. Finally, the different types and sources of funding will be elaborated.


Lesson 5 – Cost accounting

In this lesson the difference between fixed and variable, direct and indirect and marginal and differential costs will be explained. Further, the break-even point and activity based costing will be elaborated.



General goal:

The goal of this course is for students to gain a basic insight into the following topics: business plan and business model canvas, marketing management, financial analysis and cost accounting, since these are important for the success of a business. An introduction to Multifunctional Agriculture (MA) (lesson 1) is also part of this course. Lesson 2 will explain the function of a business plan and a business canvas model. Also several types of business models will be explained. Insight into this topic is important since every (starting) business needs a business plan. Lesson 3 will focus on market analysis, market strategies and the marketing mix, which are important to achieve marketing objectives. Lesson 4 will explain the concepts balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, statement of owners’ equity and financial ratios. Also the different types and sources of funding are covered in this lesson. This is important to gain a basic insight into the financial statements and financial health of a company. The final lesson will focus on cost accounting.

The introduction course will be given in class and should be slightly adapted depending on the country where it is given (e.g. the examples given in the different lessons should be more country-specific).


Skills/competences:

No previous knowledge is required.


Tasks, activities:

Courses will be given in class. A field trip will also be included in the introduction course.


Evaluation criteria:

  1. Mid-term quiz

  2. Final quiz



Module 2 - Social and Didactic Agriculture

Contacts: 

Prof. Mariantonietta Fiore
University of Foggia
mariantonietta.fiore@unifg.it 

Prof. Nicola Faccilongo
University of Foggia
nicola.faccilongo@unifg.it 


Schedule:

Lesson 1 - Introduction

In this section there will be tackled the following topics: 

  1. Background
  2.         Definition of rural

by highlighting tools, models and programs for rural social agriculture. 


Lesson 2 - Rural development and multifunctionality

In this section there will be tackled the following topics: 

  1. Definition of rural development;
  2. The concept of multifunctionality

by highlighting tools, models and programs for rural social agriculture. 


Lesson 3 - Social and Didactic Agriculture in action

In this section there will be tackled the following topics: 

  1. Fabioland Storytelling;
  2. A social-health model: the MISS project

by highlighting tools, models and programs for rural social agriculture. 

In this section, the course aims to give an overview of one of the most important manifestations of multifunctionality: The Social and Educational Farms. Then, 2 case studies will be analysed: MISS project; Emmaus community


Lesson 4 - The rural-urban partnership and case studies

In this section there will be tackled the rural-urban partnership topic, by highlighting tools, models and programs for rural social agriculture. Plus, this section will also discuss and investigate the concept of smart land and territorial multifunctional integration agriculture. Then, 2 case studies will be analysed:  Smart Land Apulia Region project and the project Cross border "Transnational network of rural solidarity, of local sustainable tourism, of multifunctionality, environmental and cultural tours: Cross-Border for rural identities development (Adriatic sea – Black Sea)”.



General Goal:

This course intends to provide an overview of the term "Social agriculture” starting from the concept of ‘rural’, rural development and multifunctionality. The aim is understanding concepts, strategies and elements of the rural development, by browsing models, policies and innovative methods of rural development paths toward the social agriculture. We will analyse issues related to the rural-territorial dimension of development, the approach to the handling and government of the rural territory, the methodologies for enhancing rural competitiveness in a strategic perspective. In addition, the purpose is to acquire detailed skills and knowledge about the EU programs and policies for the rural development. 

Moving from distinct approaches, such as those of Smart Cities, on the one hand, and Sustainable Agriculture, on the other hand, the idea is to deep the role the integrated strategies that support the integrated development of Smart Cities but also Smart Agriculture and, above all, Smart Communities. 

The second part of the course aims to give an overview of one of the most important manifestations of multifunctionality: The Social and Educational Farms. The Social and Educational Farms are the most innovative expression of the multifunctionality agriculture, which gives to the company the opportunity to diversify through the development of complementary activities related to the production of food goods.

The farm produces not only food, but it also provides services to citizens such as agritourism, direct sales and the preservation of the environment and the territory. The aspects related to the social dimension of agriculture and the important role it plays in the life of small farmers around the world. The issues will be treated within the new economic and social framework which sees a globalization that seems to have lost the sense of place. 



Skills/Competencies:

Previous knowledge of Module 1 is required (Multifunctional Agricultural and Entrepreneurship)



Tasks, activities:

The student will be given scientific reports, books, slides, readings, papers, statistics and will be shown websites to collect data. 

The student will be given support material as guidelines, case studies and funded and approved projects. 

The student will be encouraged to think through several didactic tools:

  • Brainstorming and mind mapping ;
  • Short Essays;
  • Presentations;
  • Learning games;
  • Flipped classroom;
  • Learning by surfing;
  • Video and tutorials.


Evaluation criteria:

1 Mid-term quiz
1 Final quiz 




Module 3: Rural Tourism

Contacts: 

Prof. Francisco A. Navarro Valverde
University of Granada
favalver@ugr.es 

Prof. Luis M. Sánchez Escolano
University of Granada
lmsescolano@ugr.es

Aida Pinos
University of Granada
apnavarrete@ugr.es 


Schedule:

Lesson 1 - Concept and Introduction to Multifunctional Agriculture and Rural Tourism/Agritourism

Synthesis of basic topics and ideas in the Lesson and eTOMATO project


Lesson 2 - Rural Tourism (Part I)

2.1.1 Resources, Sustainable Tourism and Rural Development

Tools to create a different Rural World

2.1.2 Policy and Planning. Funds for Rural Tourism

LEADER investment and projects

2.1.3 Cultural and Natural Heritage, Rural Development and Tourism

Projects integrating dimensions: the construction of the territory and rural tourism


Lesson 2 - Rural Tourism (Part II)

2.2.1 Entrepreneurship and Promoters/Human Capital and development

The future of Rural Areas: building opportunities and new business models

2.2.2 Study cases:

- Territorial: Frigilana and Caminito del Rey

- Entrepeneural: Cueva del Tio Tobas and Tropolis


Lesson 2  – Good practices


General goal:

The general goal of the course is the training of the students in the theoretical and practical keys of rural tourism. All this will be basic when it comes to undertaking and implementing their own projects in the future, in a context of increasing competitiveness and globalization of the dynamics that affect the rural world.

Rural tourism is a tool, a real possibility, to promote processes of social, economic and cultural development in rural areas. The student will understand that rural tourism is also an activity with an extraordinary capacity to mobilize resources and generate income. Along with the basic ideas on the subject, treated from multiple scientific perspectives and with diverse supports - geography, economics, sociology, engineering or anthropology - real case studies are provided where to study different business and territorial processes, where he will work on recognizing in each his positive and negative impacts, he will analyze his weaknesses and strengths, which will allow him to understand, in an applied way and close contact with reality, the different forms of implementation of rural tourism.

Because rural tourism is, above all, a commitment to quality of life and one more step on the road to achieving a more sustainable world. Hence, it is considered in projects on multifunctional agriculture and is a leading sector in public policies and lines of scientific research in all European countries.


Skills/Competences:

Previous knowledge of Module 1 is required (Multifunctional Agricultural and Entrepreneurship)

Critical capacity

Broad general culture

Capacity for teamwork

Reading and interpretive skills

Basic knowledge of economics, geography and politics

Knowledge of the essential foundations of research and academic work


Tasks, activities:

The student will receive fundamental readings to understand the basic concepts in rural tourism, rural development and entrepreneurship opportunities in the rural world.

The student will receive support material - links, videos, scientific and academic documents - to allow him to work autonomously and independently during the course.

The student will be encouraged to think and interpret critically the challenges facing rural areas, and how rural tourism can provide an opportunity to promote development.



Evaluation criteria:
1 Mid-term quiz
1 Final quiz 

Module 4: Short Food Supply Chains

Contacts:

Prof. Stela Todorova
Agricultural University of Plovdiv
stelatodorova_au@hotmail.com


Content:

Lesson 1 - Introduction to SFSCs a Multifunctional Agriculture

  • The evolution of agriculture and food supply
    • Short Food Supply Chains and Sustainable development
    • Food security and the Common Agricultural Policy
    • Rural Development and Short Food Supply Chains
    • Multifunctional agriculture and SFSCs
    • Wild Farm story telling

    Lesson 2 - Introduction to Chain Management

    • What is a chain?
    • Chain flows
    • Chain management
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Sofina story telling


    Lesson 3 - Local and Short Food Supply Chains

    • Short  Food Supply Chains
    • Short  Food Supply Chains’ impacts
    • Description of LFS and SFSCs in the EU
    • Consumer attitudes to LFS / SFSCs
    • Institutional support for LFS/SFSCs 
    • Good Practices
    • The story of  Radko Dimitrievo  farm


    General goal:

    Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) are playing an increasing role in the food supply network. SFSCs are very diverse in nature and practice and exist in different forms around the world. Examples of policy areas in which SFSCs can be a useful tool are: local and regional development, integrated food strategies, public procurement, business development and entrepreneurship, food democracy.

    This course intends to provide an overview of the term "Short Food Supply Chain" and its relevance for all the stakeholders which take part in it. The module aims to develop and experiment with new ways of linking research with practice in multifunctional agriculture and in particular shortening food supply chains. This material is written to provide evidence of the diversity of short food supply chains in Europe and their contribution to sustainable rural development.

     The video materials and the described case studies provide evidence that such short food chains exist in Bulgaria as well. The course is designed for training and in particular for those wishing to get involved and support more sustainable food production and consumption practices. This document is the result of a joint collaboration between scientists and practicing farmers who joined the community of practices for short food supply chains created within the e-TOMATO project.


    Skill/Competences:

    Previous knowledge of Module 1 Introduction on multifunctional agriculture is required. 

    Previous knowledge of sustainable development and CAP are advised.


    Tasks, activities:

    The student will be given readings materials   on SFSCs and their connection with multifunctional agriculture, activities that are included in it, examples of such, documents that outline its future development. The  student will be provided with reading materials for LFS and SFSC, their forms and manifestations in different regions, their economic, social and environmental impact

    The student will be given support mat for described cases of short food supply chains, videos, additional literature, etc.

    The student will be encouraged to think about how the farmer can organize different types of short supply chains for their products so that they reach consumers as quickly as possible. All this can be done on the basis of conducted case studies.


    Evaluation criteria:

    1. Mid-term quiz 
    2. Final quiz