Environment and Climate Change:
Specialist advisory services on environmental and climate management for farm monitoring and decision-making.
Within the framework of the Sardinia Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014–2022, Sub-measure 2.1, we supported 70 farm businesses through a specialist advisory programme focused on environmental and climate management. The work addressed biodiversity, soil conservation, efficient resource use, water protection and integrated pest management, combining on-farm visits, ICT tools and sustainability indicators to guide decisions, assess costs and benefits and monitor the effects of farm management choices over time.
Dedicated advisory services to monitor farm performance and plan business decisions and investments.
Context and needs.
Farm businesses need to reconcile production objectives with the protection of natural resources, particularly in areas exposed to climate-related pressures. Managing soil and water resources, protecting biodiversity and adopting integrated pest management practices require appropriate expertise and up-to-date information. The project addresses these needs through tailored advisory services designed to identify priorities, reduce risks and monitor the results and impacts of business decisions over time.
Objectives.
- Strengthen skills and practices for protecting biodiversity and agroecosystems while integrating environmental protection with agricultural production.
- Improve the management of soil, water and other resources, taking climate change mitigation and adaptation into account.
- Support more informed farm-level decisions through assessments of the agri-environmental and economic costs and benefits of different options and their associated risks.
- Promote the use of ICT tools and sustainability indicators to keep information up to date and monitor farm performance.
Working approach.
The programme combined active learning, on-farm visits and ICT technologies, structuring the advisory activities into four operational stages:
- Assessment of needs and environmental priorities relating to soil, water and resources.
- Updating of data relevant to farm management and monitoring.
- Compliance and problem checks, accompanied by practical recommendations and improvement measures.
- Introduction of indicators to compare environmental and economic performance.
Rurinnova's Role.
Rurinnova provided tailored specialist advisory services integrating different areas of expertise while ensuring continuity through a dedicated lead adviser. The work combined analysis, on-farm visits and practical tools, together with facilitation activities designed to make progress measurable over the medium term.
Results.
- 70 farm businesses were involved through a total of 1,680 hours of specialist advisory services, corresponding to a 24-hour programme for each farm.
- Farms strengthened their ability to analyse the costs and benefits of business decisions and adopt a preventive approach to risk management, including climate-related risks.
- The use of key indicators was consolidated to represent farm data, monitor performance and support continuous improvement.
Lessons learned and replicability.
- Active learning is more effective when supported by practical tools and a limited number of essential, clearly defined indicators.
- Continuity in the advisory relationship and a clear methodology foster trust, coordination and the adoption of farm management practices.
- Transferring the methodology helps farm businesses update data, verify requirements and plan useful medium- and long-term decisions.
