ORGANIC.BALKANET

“DEVELOPING THE SKILLS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TRAINERS

FOR THE BALKANS”

Survey Results of the

National Workshops Meetings in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia Training Needs in Organic Agriculture

Authors: Atanas Atanasov (University of Rousse, Bulgaria)

Chavdar Vezirov (University of Rousse, Bulgaria)

Nevenka Postrak (AOANS, Slovenia)

Gheorghe Valentin Roman (USAMVB-FA, Romania)

Lician Stoian (BIOMOLD, Romania)

ROUSSE 2010

ORGANIC.BALKANET 2009-1-RO1-LEO05-03584 LLP-LdV-TOI-2009-RO-008

LEONARDO DA VINCI Transfer of Innovation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………….3

2. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Bulgaria………………………………………………………………………………………4

3. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Romania………………………………………………………………………………………7

4. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Slovenia……………………………………………………………………………………..12

5. Questionnaire Results for Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia..........……………….15

6. Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………..

7. Annexes……………………………………………………………………………… ...55

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1. Introduction

In this deliverable we present the results of the survey which was conducted

during the National workshop meetings organizated in Bulgaria, Romania and

Slovenia, as well as the statistical analysis and the conclusions that came out.

The survey begun on January 2010 and ended on May 2010. During this

period, were conducted three National workshops developed under a common

agenda for the three cauntries. The results are based of statistical acceptable

number of questionnaires was gathered, and open discussion between participants

in the National meetings.

The target groups which were selected were the following:

1. Organic Agriculture (OA) Farmers;

2. Former OA Farmers

3. Future OA Farmers

4. OA experts

5. OA Certification agents

6. Agronomists

7. Training experts

8. Teachers

9. Authorities

10. Researchers

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2. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Bulgaria

To achieve T1.2 „Report training needs of user organizations”, in the

frame of WP1 User needs analysis was conducted a national workshop to identify

training needs of user organizations in Bulgaria.

Preparing and conducting the workshop had the following steps:

ü Preparing the example variant of common invitation for target groups

and sending to the partners organizations from BIOMOLD-Romania

and AOANS- Slovenia;

The letter of invitation included: (Annex 1),

• An introduction from the user organization

• A general description of the project

• The goals of the workshop and how the workshop fits into the overall project

• The duration, date, and place of the workshop

• Generally what the participant should expect to do

ü Selection of the Target Groups - The identified target groups are OA

experts, OA farmers, certification bodies, training experts,researchers

and etc. ;

ü Sending an invitation to the target groups (Annex 2);

ü Preparing topics for presentation to training on organic farming in

Europe presented with some previous initiatives of the working groups

of partner organizations and sending to the partners organizations

from BIOMOLD-Romania and AOANS- Slovenia;

ü Preparing the common variant of questionnaires and sending to the

partners organizations from BIOMOLD-Romania and AOANS-

Slovenia;

ü Agreed the date and location for the workshop;

ü Preparing the agenda and presentation materials (Annex 4);

ü Sending the agenda to the target groups.

The meeting was held on Thursday, the 25th of March at University of

Rousse “Angel Kanchev” in 121 conference room.

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The event was attended by 33 guests of different professional groups (Annex

3), of which: 5% organic farmers; 5 % future farmers; 5 % organic experts; 8 %

organic certification agents; 17% agronomists; 3% training experts; 8 % teachers;

39 % researchers; 10% Other participants.

After registration participants, was an introduction to the purpose of the

workshop: Formation, а group of individuals together who may contribute by their

point of view and expertise to the establishment of an organic agriculture training

which will advance the knowledge provided by such educational activities up to date

in accordance to EU regulations and certification scheme.

Next stage of the programme was presented partners organizations included

in the project and an introduction to the summary, aims and objectives of the project

Organic.Balkanet

Lecturer and moderator was Assist. Prof. Dr. Atanas Atanasov

An essential part of the program was introduction to organic agriculture

training at the European scale. Five projects were presented:

Organic.Edunet - http://www.organicedunet.eu/index.php

EcoJob - http://www.ecojob-ap.org/index.php?lang=bg

Bio@gro - http://www.bioagro.gr/index.php?&glang=eng

Organic.MedNet - http://www.music.tuc.gr/Project.show?ID=45

MLNPSOA - http://multilingual.bionetsyst.com/

Were also presented two presentations:

1. Procedure for applying and obtaining a certificate for organic production -

has presented by Mr. Julian Marinov LACON Ltd.

3. Current problems of organic farming and possibilities for their solution -

has presented by Mr. Angel Atanasov

To investigation training needs of user organizations each participant filled a

questionnaire which results are presented in 6 point of the report.

For detailed information on organic farming were distributed to the

participants: some brochures, and guides (Annex 5).

The next stage of the meeting was followed by formation to working groups

and open discussions with the participants - moderator was Assoc. Prof. Chavdar

Vezirov.

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The participants proposed following questions as important to be

solving in Bulgaria:

ü Payments for bio-production in EU funds to be timely as any delay confuses

rhythm;

ü To facilitate contacts between producers and consumers of organic produce

ü Attention to the mechanization of technological operations in organic

production

ü Lack of funds for obtaining a certificate

ü Low prices of organic products on the market;

ü Lack of ecological education of organic products consumers;

ü Creating an intermediate body between organic and conventional production

ü To be increase quality control of the food

ü To be created a map of the country with areas suitable for organic farming

The participants proposed following course topics:

ü Marketing organic products- Packaging –trade;

ü Soil management in organic farms;

ü Plant protection (pest & disease management) and weed control in vineyards

and fruits orchards.

ü Plant protection (pest & disease management) and weed control vegetables

organic gardens.

ü Organic seed production

ü Organic yields production and valorisation in a farm specialized in barley, corn,

wheat and oats growing;

ü Practical approaches for been breeding in organic farming;

ü Quality assurance of products and process in organic farming;

ü Dairy cows, sheep, goats, breeding in organic farming;

ü Rural tourism and organic agriculture

We consider that above-mentioned topics are of future interest for Bulgarian

farmers:

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4. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Romania

To achieve T1.2 „Report training needs of user organizations”, in the

frame of WP1 User needs analysis was conducted a national workshop to identify

training needs of user organizations in Romania.

Preparing and conducting the workshop had the following steps:

- Identification in Suceava, Bacau and Neamt Counties interested producers

in organic agriculture;

- Agreed the date and location for the workshop;

- Preparing the agenda and presentation materials;

- Identifying and graduation OF producers problems (eg. financing, low soil

fertility, pests problems, harvesting, processing and sales of crop production, etc.).

- Compliance with rules during the workshop and after it, like:

- each participant will express their opinions without being interrupted; can

ask questions, have ideas or points of view; they may present own successful

experience or crop producton or animal husbandry, etc.;

- every participant must contribute to the workshop success, to be active the

the debates, to hear others, to be tolerant and to respect the opinions of others, to

respect a recommended timeframe for interventions, to contribute to further

dissemination of information, to complete a questionnaire, etc.

Setting and achieving goals of the workshop as:

- Identify the causes of the main problems facing „bio” producers;

- Suggesting possible topics for their training course;

- Developing strategies for solutions implementing.

To this aim the Biomold team have sent invitations to the national workshop,

to a number of seven organizations: University „Alecsandri" of Bacau; Vegetable

Research and Development Station of Bacau, Research and Development Station

for Fruit Growing Falticeni; County Office of Agriculture Consultancy Suceava;

BIOMOLD Association; Association „Valea Asaului: SC Farmacia Naturii (Annex 6).

They scored a total of 40 participants.

The meeting agenda comprosed following actions (Annex 8):

- presentation of the project ORGANIC.BALKANET partners:

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- presentation of the purposes, objectives and milestones of the project;

- brief introduction to organic farming;

- filling in the questionnaires,

- discussion with each participant.

The workshop was held in Falticeni City, on May 17, 2010.

The event was attended by 37 guests (Annex 7), of which: 18 farmers

(48.6%), six future farmers (16.2%), seven specialist agronomists, horticulturists and

veterinarians (18.9%), a representative of the authorities (2.7%), two researchers

(5.4%), an animal breeder and a mechanic involved in services for agriculture

(8.2%).

Very interested in organic farming were participants aged over 35 years:

between 35 and 45 years, 15 people - 40.5%, aged over 45 years an equal number

(15 persons - 40.5%). Younger paricipanţilor number was lower, namely: age

between 25 and 30 years were six participants - 16.2%, and 25 years younger than

one participant 2.7%.

Of these 21 (56.8%) were male and 16 to 43.2% were women.

After registration participants, was an introduction to the project summary:

ORGANIC.BALKANET "Developing the skills of Organic Agriculture Trainers for the

Balkans". Thus the consortium partners were presented for the project:

P0 Coordinator - University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine-

Bucharest, Faculty of Agriculture (USAMVB-FA), Romania

P1 - University of Alcala (UAH), Spain

P2 – Greek Research and Technology Network (GRNET), Greece

P3 - University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture (U Maribor), Slovenia

P4 - University of Rousse (URusse), Bulgaria

P5 - Biomold Association, Romania

P6 - Organic Farming Association of Northeastern Slovenia (AOANS),

Slovenia.

Then they were presented the objectives, scope and phases of the project:

• General project objective is to facilitate the transfer of training and

educational innovative practices online content (eLearning) for vocational

training for youth and and unemployed in agriculture, and agricultural

professionals in the new EU member states.

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Also the project will be conducted:

- Validation of previously identified education needs to train those involved in

training and extension activities in Romania, Greece and Spain, on topics related to

organic farming in a new geographical context: extension offices in Slovenia and

Bulgaria and other regions of Romania.

- Selection and analysis of training programs and online educational content

that was previously developed to support training needs in previous similar

initiatives.

- Adaptation and testing of training programs and online educational content

and integrating the educational content in the Balkans, the national and regional

training systems and practices of organic farming in the two countries concerned

(especially Slovenia and Bulgaria) and also compare the experience achieved in the

countries where previously attempted implementation of this educational system

(Romania, Greece and Spain.

- Adapting and improving the existing educational online content (eLearning)

on the content selected on organic farming in order to support lifelong learning

needs of individuals involved in extension and training activities within the user

organizations in Romania, Slovenia and Bulgaria through appropriate training

scenarios designed.

- Collecting, classification and publication in an archive of online learning

content adapted to transfer online education (eLearning) earlier initiatives in the form

of digital learning objects.

- Implementing a multilingual online environment (web portal in Slovenia and

Bulgaria) that will facilitate end-user online searching, retrieval, access and use

digital training objects from the archives of online learning.

- Design a series of training scenarios that will introduce the use of online

learning content transferred in supporting the training of agricultural professionals

participating user organizations (Biomold Association. National Association of

Ecological Agriculture in Slovenia, University of the Rousse).

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Emphasized that to achieve the objectives and purpose of the project will go

through six stages:

WP1: Analysis of user needs. This stage will explore:

- Training needs of users involved in the project and the existing skills for training.

- Organic farming methods and practices that can be adapted and used to identify

requirements for developing a quality training curriculum, certified, in the area of

organic farming.

WP2: educational content about organic farming: translation, adaptation

and population. In this stage, will make the necessary procedures for designing

curriculum for training the trainers in organic farming. There will also be selected

and adapted the existing educational training content in participating countries

supported. The training resources described above will be published online and

Organic.Balkanet portal, so all users can access them anytime and anywhere via

the Internet.

WP3: Development of Organic.Balkanet portal. This activity will provide

the design / specification of the online environment that will facilitate multilingual

search, access to loading and recovery of inviting content related to organic

agriculture. In addition, specialization and progress of online environment will offer

to Organic.Balkanet users a series of online services, allowing them the access to

training content developed by Internet-based interfaces, semantic search and

access to educational materials.

WP4: Validation Pilot. In this phase, will be conduct a pilot training session

and will be validated training seminars in each participating country. Responses will

be collected in view to assess and improve the results of the training program - subject of

the project.

WP5: Dissemination and exploitation of results. By this stage are to

popularize the project results. This will be achieved through public presentation of

interim and final reports, through the dissemination plan and the official closing

event of the project.

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WP6: Management. The stage of management will provide quality project

results, and performing continuous monitoring of the activities, work plan and

activities of the project partners coordination. Attach is the PowerPoint presentation:

"Introduction to Organic.Balkanet project".

The item on the agenda was filling out the questionnaires. 37 questionnaires

were completed. Results are shown in 5 point of the report.

Exposure was greeted with enthusiasm by all participants.

They put many questions about the organic farming system. For

completeness of responses was necessary to support a briefings on:

- production systems and trends in organic / ecological / biological farming;

- dynamics of organic farming areas in Romania and worldwide;

- European legislation in the field of organic agriculture;

- crop rotation in field crops and vegetable growing;

- presentation of methods and practices to control weeds, pests and pathogens;

- production harvesting and valorisatio of organic agriculture products.

Lecturer and moderator was Dr. Ing Stoian Lucian. For detailed information

on organic farming were distributed to the participants: four books, five brochures, a

catalog and two guides and good practices.

The presentations were followed by discussions with farmers - moderator Dr.

Ing Calin Mary.

Among thetopics facing farmers and producers may include:

- lack of subsidies for the organic sector;

- lack of specific certified abattoirs for slaughters;

- higher taxes;

- low prices of organic products on the market;

- lack of ecological education of organic products consumers;

- lack of specialized books and brochures;

- lack of training in organic agriculture;

The participants proposed following course topics:

- fruit growing in organic farming (apple, pear, cherry); Falticeni City region is the the

most important fruit growing area of Moldova;

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- vegetable growing in organic farming (tomato, peppers, eggplant, carrot,

cabbage,onions);

- beekeeping and products valorisation in organic farming;

- organic yields production and valorisaton in a mixed farm specialized in

beekeeping , animal breeding and vegetable growing;.

- organic yields production and valorisation in a farm specialized in potatoes, corn,

field beans and wheat growing;

- dairy cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry breeding in organic farming; Suceava

County is the largest producer of organic milk and dairy products in the country

(processed milk, butter, cheese, emmenthal, etc.).

We consider that following topics are of future interest:

- fruit growing in organic farming (apple, pear, cherry) and production valorisation;

- vegetable growing in organic agriculture (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, carrot,

cabbage, onions, etc.);

- production and valorisation a organic farm specialized in potatoes, corn, field

beans and wheat growing;

- dairy cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry breeding in organic farming;

- beekeeting and apiculture products valorisation in organic farming.

5. Report of the National Workshop on Training Need of user Organisation in Slovenia

To achieve T1.2 „Report training needs of user organizations”, in the

frame of WP1 User needs analysis was conducted a national workshop to identify

training needs of user organizations in Slovenia.

Preparing and conducting the workshop had the following steps:

ü Agreed the date and location for the workshop;

ü Preparing an invitation for target groups

ü Selection of the Target Group

ü Sending an invitation to the target groups;

ü Preparing the agenda and presentation materials (Annex 11);

ü Sending the agenda to the target groups (Annex 12).

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The workshop was held in the new premises of the Faculty of Agriculture and

Life Sciences (UM FKBV) in a castle in Pivola Hompoš, on January 28, 2010.

The national meeting of the project was organized as part of 13th Alpe Adria

Biosimpozij – News on organic farming 2010, “Research and knowledge transfer in

organic farming”

The meeting was attended of 31% organic farmers, 8 % future organic

farmers, 15 & agronomists, 8 % advisory specialists, 8 % teachers and speakers, 30

% people with other professions.

In the age group younger than 25 years were 19 %, between 25 and 35 years

were 8 %, 35 to 45 years were 23 % and over 45 were 50 %.

After registration, participants were an introduction to the goals of the

workshop.

Next stage of the programme was presented partners organizations included

in the project and an introduction to the summary, aims and objectives of the project

Organic.Balkanet

Participants were introducing to other projects on training in organic farming

in Europe presented with some previous initiatives of working groups of partner

organizations. Some of the important projects are:

Organic.Edunet - http://www.organicedunet.eu/index.php

EcoJob - http://www.ecojob-ap.org/index.php?lang=bg

Bio@gro - http://www.bioagro.gr/index.php?&glang=eng

Organic.MedNet - http://www.music.tuc.gr/Project.show?ID=45

MLNPSOA - http://multilingual.bionetsyst.com/

Were also presented two presentations by experts in OA training:

1. OA training (Prof.dr.Franci Bavec, UM Faculty of Agriculture and Life

Science and Nevenka Poštrak, Association for Organic Agriculture Northeast

Slovenia (AOANS)).

2. Certification (Polonca Repič, IKC – Institute for Inspection and

Certification).

Then the meeting continued with the filling out the questionnaires.

Two versions questionnaires were filled.

The first variant questionnaire include 70 fulfilled questionnaires, one

incomplete, we discharged in and only processed 69 questionnaires.

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The questionnaires was fulfilled by 65 % women and 35 % men, their ages

between 19 and 73, the average being 33,5 years.

More than half 57 % has high school education, 1 % unfinished elementary

school, 9 % high and 28 % higher education, university or masters degree and

doctorate.

99% have access to the internet, 1 % doesn’t have access to the internet.

96 % thing that, the internet can support organic farming, 4 % however does

not.

At the question “How important are internet technologies for your activities?”

the subjects answered: 2 % unimportant, 57 % important and 41 % very important.

The question “On what kind of level are internet sites linked to organic

farming?” was answered: 3 % very bad, 34 % bad, 35 % alright, 25 % good and only

3 % excellent.

94 % of the subjects were interested in a new webpage for ecological

farming, but 6 % were not.

92 % would be ready to advertise for free what they do, 8 % would not be

ready to advertise.

From all the themes, due to the relation to organic farming, the subjects

chose this order:

1. Organic plant production

2. Healthy food

3. To preserve nature

4. Environment and ecology

5. Organic products

6. Safe food

7. the continuation of farming

8. Organic breeding of animals

9. Well care of animals

10. Development of the countryside

99 % of the subjects are interested in the study of organic farming.

I the suggestions of organic study there is also marketing of organic

products.

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The second variant of the questionnaires are more detailed and therefore are

better for the diploma task. Results are shown in 6 point of the report.

Summaries of the workshops and questionnaires in Slovenia

The vast majority of workshop participants have access to the Internet 92%.

It shows them holding and interest in a new web portal on organic agriculture. 60 %

would like to be included in the initiative Organic. Balkanet project.

Despite the higher estimated level of education of farmers on organic

farming, three-quarters of them estimated, that too few specialists on field of

ecological agriculture are in Slovenia.

It would be necessary to train professionals/ trainers in organic farming,

which would them, transmit the knowledge on to other experts, agricultural experts

and farmers who farm in accordance with rules of organic agriculture.

Trainers must have continuing education several times a year, preferably at

least 1 per month.

Required knowledge is about the different areas of organic farming with

emphasis on practical training.

The participants supported all activities in the project Organic.Balkanet and

integration between the project partners from different countries.

At the some time we should also have to transmit the connection to Slovenia,

where the integration between the actors in the area of organic farming is too little.

6. Questionnaire Results for Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia

The one item on the agenda was filling out the questionnaires. The questions

were categorized as following:

1. Questions about demographic characteristics

2. General questions about:

a) Competencies

b) Information needs

c) Training needs

d) Market analysis

e) Pedagogy

3. Questionnaire evaluation

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6.1. Questions about demographic characteristics

6.1.1. Personal information

Our sample, in all three countries, was consisted of people of various ages as

for the three countries most participants were aged more than 45 years (Figure 1)

and was almost equally consisted of male and female participants for Bulgaria and

Romania and mainly male for Slovenia (Figure 2). Most of the participants from

Romania and Slovenia were OA farmers, as for Bulgaria dominated the researchers.

The number of participants from other professions for the three countries was

almost equally (Figure 3).

The presented situation shows that interested in organic farming and family

decisions are landowners who are generally more aged people who have inherited

the worked agricultural land. Young people under 35 years for Bulgaria and

Romania are less attracted to organic farming.

Participants age

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

<25 25-35 35-45 > 45

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 1 Participants age (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

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Gender

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Male

Female

Fig. 2 Participants gender (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Profession

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

OA Far

mer

Former

OA Fa

rmer

Future

OA F

armer

OA expe

rt

OA Cer

tifica

tion a

gent

Agron

omist

Traini

ng ex

pert

Teach

er

Autho

rities

Resea

rcher

Othe

r

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 3 Participants profession (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

6.2. General questions

6.2.1. Competencies

Most of the participants from Bulgaria had Master degree while the

participants from Romania and Slovenia had high school education. The number of

the participants from Bulgaria and Romania with PhD degree was almost equal

Figure 4.

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Level of education

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Doctorate Post-graduate

Master University College Highschool

Other

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 4 Participants education level (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

The highest level of training in OA of the participants was mainly company

courses for Romania and Slovenia and self study for the participants of three

countries. A small percentage of participants from Bulgaria have a doctorate and

master's degree in organic farming Figure 5.

Level of training in organic agriculture

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Doctor

ate

Master

Univer

sity

Colleg

e

High sch

ool

Compa

ny co

urse

s

Self st

udy

Other

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 5 Participants training level in OA (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

About experience as instructor / trainer / consultant the most of the

participants have no experience Figure 6.

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Experience as trainer/advisor

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Main profession Teach from timeto time

Have acted as atrainer in the past

No experience No answ er

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Fig. 6 Participants experience as trainer/advisor in OA (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Regarding the knowledge of participants to work with Internet, e-mail and

other skills, the responses showed on Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10.

I can find what I want on the Internet

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

easily with some difficulty not at all

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.7 Participants experience to search information on the Internet (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

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I can add websites to my favourites

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

easily with some difficulty not at all

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 8 Participants experience to add websites in favourites (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

I can send attached files

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

easily with some difficulty not at all

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.9 Participants experience to send attached files (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

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I can download documents onto my computer

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

easily with some difficulty not at all

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 10 Participants experience to download documents (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Regarding the participants knowledge and skills on organic farming in the

area Figure 11. Regarding questions to agree or disagree with statements following

options were (Use “1” for the “Agree strongly”; Use 5 for the “Disagree strongly”),

Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14.

Do youhave any interest in Organic Agriculture (OA)?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 11 Participants interest in OA (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

22

I have a good knowledge of Organic Agriculture

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 12 Participants knowledge of Organic Agriculture (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

OA foods are less safe than conventional foods

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 13 Participants knowledge about safety of OA foods (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

23

Organic Agriculture is dangerous for the environment

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 14 Participants knowledge about influence of OA upon environment (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

OA certification does not guarantee high food quality

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 15 Participants knowledge about influence of OA certification upon food quality (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

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Fig. 16 Participants knowledge about OA farmers interest (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

6.2.2. Information needed

In your opinion, what is the level of existing information about Organic Agriculture? The responses concerning the level of existing information on organic farming

for Romania were: good, 6 - 16.2%; average, 6 - 16.2%; weak, 19 - 51.4%; no

opinion, 6 - 16.2%. For Bulgaria the responses can to be generalized as: Level is

low, farmers do not have sufficient access to easily understandable information. For

Slovenia no answer was given.

Do you have Internet access?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 17 Answer to the question “Do you have Internet access?” (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Most Organic Agriculture farmers are interested only in profits

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

100%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria Romania

Slovenia

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Do you think that Internet as a medium can support Organic Agriculture activities?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 18 View that Internet is a tool that can support the organic farming (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Rate how important is Internet technologies for your activities?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 19 Evaluations of the importance of Internet technologies (1: Not important 5: Very important): (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

26

Do you know if there are Organic Agriculture Information/services available on the Internet?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 20 Participants knowledge about information or services available on the Internet for organic farming (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

How important do you consider for the following actors to have access to information/services about Organic Agriculture through the Internet?

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 21 Importance of access to information / services on the Internet for organic farming (1: Not important, 5: Very important), (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

27

Would you be interested in a web portal concerning Organic Agriculture?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 22 Participants interest in a website on organic farming (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Would you like to be advertised through such a web portal?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 23 Participants interest to be warned / informed by such a website (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

28

Are you interested in receiving further information / getting involved in Organic.Balkanet initiative?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 24 Participants interest to receive further information or be involved in the Organic.Balkanet (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

6.2.3. Training needs

Think about farmers in your countries: In your opinion, what is their current knowledge in Organic Agriculture?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Very good toexcellent

Good Limited to none I cannot estimate

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 25 Participants opinion about current farmers knowledge in OA (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

29

In your opinion, what is your farmers' interest for Organic Agriculture?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 26 Participants opinion about farmers’ interest in OA (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

The names of the institutions are involved in Organic OA trainings:

In Romania: S.C-D.L. Bacau, BIOMOLD Association, University of

Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, University of Agriculture

Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, University of Agriculture Sciences and

Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, National Agency of Agriculture Consultancy,

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Develolent, ARAD Association, Bucharest

„Bioterra” University, Ecology Association of Cluj - Napoca.

Abroad: do not know.

In Bulgaria:

Association "Bioselena", Association “Ekofarm”

Abroad: no answer was given

In Slovenia: UM Collage for Agriculture and biosistem study, KGZS/

Agricultural Institution, the Institute for verification, the Institute for continuation of

development, the Union and the association of organic farmers Slovenia.

In a foreign country only 3 people answered this question: Ernte Austria, FIBL,

and different association.

30

Choose the topics you are aware are/have been taught in previous OA trainings

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%60%

70%80%

90%100%

Organic

agric

ultur

e prin

ciples

Legis

lation/c

ertifi

catio

n

Soil m

anag

ement

Fertili

zatio

Irriga

tion

Weed

contro

l

Plant p

rotec

tion (p

est & d

iseas

e man

agem

ent)

Rural

touri

sm

Packa

ging –

trade

Organic

green

hous

e pro

ducti

on

Nutritio

nal v

alue o

f org

anic

produc

ts

Marke

ting

Agricu

ltura

l eco

nomics

Post-h

arve

st ha

ndlin

g

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 27 Topics considered interesting or they want depth training (from the previous trainings on organic farming) (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Results regarding current and desired level of training in Organic agriculture shown from Figure 28 to Figure 57 (1=low, 2=moderate, 3=high)

Organic Farming Legislation/ Certification and Standards

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.28 Legislation for organic farming / Certification and Standards (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

31

Quality assurance of Products and Process

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.29 Quality assurance of Products and Process (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Agroecology principles – Indicators of sustainability

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.30 Agroecology principles – Indicators of sustainability (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

32

Conventional, Integrated and Organic Farming (Similarities & Differences)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.31 Conventional, Integrated and Organic Farming (Similarities & Differences)

(Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Organic Seed Production / Seed Conservation and Maintenance

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.32 Organic Seed Production / Seed Conservation and Maintenance (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

33

Access to Organic Seed Accessions and Resources

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.33 Access to Organic Seed Accessions and Resources (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Animal Welfare

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.34 Animal Welfare (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

34

Fertilization in Organic Farming

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 35 Fertilization in Organic Farming (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Weed control (tillage, mulching, mowing)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 36 Weed control (tillage, mulching, mowing) (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

35

Plant Protection

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 37 Plant Protection (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Allowed agrochemicals in organic agriculture

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 38 Allowed agrochemicals in organic agriculture (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

36

Livestock in organic farms(e.g. planning, management, case studies)

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 39 Livestock in organic farms (e.g. planning, management, case studies) (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Pruning, flower/fruit thinning

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 40 Pruning, flower/fruit thinning (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

37

Environmental pollution

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 41 Environmental pollution (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Harvest and post-harvest handling

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 42 Harvest and post-harvest handling (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

38

Packaging and storage

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.43 Packaging and storage (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Marketing/ modern sales techniques

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.44 Marketing/ modern sales techniques (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

39

Field management (e.g. crop rotation planning, yield stabilisation)

0%10%20%30%40%

50%60%70%80%90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.45 Field management (e.g. crop rotation planning, yield stabilisation), (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Machinery

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.46 Machinery (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

40

Decision Making

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.47 Decision Making (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Planning and Organizing

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.48 Planning and Organizing (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

41

Communication

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.49 Communication (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Negotiation Skills

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 50 Negotiation Skills (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

42

Use of computer for writing documents

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.51 Use of computer for writing documents (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Use of computer for logistics, accounting and archiving transactions

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 52 Use of computer for logistics, accounting and archiving transactions (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

43

Use of computer for communication through email

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.53 Use of computer for communication through e-mail (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Use of computer for data search

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.54 Use of computer for data search (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

44

Health and safety

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.55 Health and safety (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Modern training techniques

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.56 Modern training techniques (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

45

Interactive training

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

1 2 3 1 2 3 0

Current level of skill Desired level of skill

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.57 Interactive training (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

Main weaknesses of previous trainings

Rate: 1 = most weak 8 = less weak

Table 1 Main weaknesses of previous trainings

Slovenia Bulgaria Romania evaluation evaluation 1 8 Inappropriate trainers (eg specialized in other crops) 8 5 14% 86% Insufficient topic selection 5 7 32% 68% Lack of in-depth analysis 6 6 35% 65% Lack of practical training 1 4 30% 70% Lack of interactive learning 2 3 35% 65% The provided information was too general 7 1 22% 78% The provided information was too sophisticated/scientific 4 2 24% 76% Short training 3 8 24% 76%

After your feedback, Organic farming certification procedure is too cumbersome? Fig. 58.

(1: No cumbersome at all; 5: Very cumbersome)

46

In your opinion, is the cumbersome procedure of organic farms certification?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

No answer 1 2 3 4 5

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.58 Participants opinion, about certification procedure (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

6.2. 4. MARKET ANALYSIS

Whether consumers in your country know where to buy organic products?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig.59 Answers to the question whether consumers in your country know where to buy organic products (Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia)

47

You consume organic products

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Always Sometimes Never

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.60 Participants opinion, about consuming organic products (Bulgaria, Romania,

Slovenia)

Regarding main complaints of the participants as a consumer of organic

products for Bulgaria were High prices: 30%, Seasonal lack of products: 37 %, Bad

quality: 12 %, Other: 20 %.

One of the participants answered existence on the market many products

with misleading names and lack of control by the state.

For Romania High prices 22%, Seasonal lack of products 24%, Bad quality

5%, Other 19%. For Slovenia the answer was in first place the seasonal shortage of

different items, next are the high prices, last bad quality.

If your involved in supply chain, what improvements suggest to organic

farmers for their products:

For Bulgaria Quality stability: 43%; Supply stability: 15%; Agrochemical residues

analysis: 30%; Other: 6%; No answer: 6%. For Romania Quality stability: 43%;

Supply stability: 49%; Agrochemical residues analysis: 8%. For Slovenia Quality

stability: 1; Supply stability: 2; Agrochemical residues analysis: 4; Other: more

advertising, better access organic products.

48

Where purchase organic products?

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%

Directlyfrom thefarmer

Retailtraders

Shopsspecializedin organicproducts

Big chainmarkets likeMETRO etc.

Other No answer

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.61 Answers to the question “Where purchase organic products?” (Bulgaria,

Romania, Slovenia)

Are you interested in using electronic market to buy or to sell organic production?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No No answer

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.62 Answers to the question “Are you interested in using electronic market to buy

or to sell organic production?” (Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

49

Are you interest in the long-term preservation of the product quality?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig.63 Answers to the question “Are you interest in the long-term preservation of the

product quality?” (Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

Suggest other or explain specific examples within the above topics: No

answer was given.

6.2. 5. PEDAGOGY

Is there enough agricultural experts in organic farming in your country?

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1 2 3 4 5 No answer

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig.64 Answers to the question “Is there enough agricultural experts in organic

farming in your country?” 1: No enough at all 5: Great enough

(Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

50

Answers to the question “If the training duration is one week which are the

priority topics?” For Bulgaria - Production technologies and certification, marketing,

quality product plant protection, weed control, crop rotation, new plants. For

Romania - The basic principles of organic agriculture: 24 - 64.9%; Legislation /

Certification: 20 - 54.1%; Soil management: 20 - 54.1%; Fertilization (fertilizer

application): 20 - 54.1%; Irrigation: 20 - 54.1%; Weed control: 24 - 64.9%; Plant

Protection (Pests and Diseases Management): 20 - 54.1%; Organic greenhouse

production: 22 - 59.5%; Marketing: 20 - 54.1%. For Slovenia – New technology,

current problems, plant protection, new systems for food production, marketing,

fertilization, alternative plants, GSO, changes in the legal system, new plants,

procedure to the certificate, controls, evidence, quality product, farm animals, crop

rotation, vegetables protection, biological safety and predators – practical

examples, guidelines for and in the future.

Answers to the question “How often should trainers be trained?” For Bulgaria

- Tow times per year. For Romania - Every six months or every one year. Whenever

necessary. For Slovenia – Several times a year and or a week.

Answers to the question “What would be the ideal training duration?” For

Bulgaria - While there is interest from the trained For Romania - Between one day

to one week, depending on the topics. For Slovenia – Permanently for many years

from 3 days to one month.

Answers to the question “Suggest techniques that you feel are important to

include in a quality OA training” Rate: (1 = most important 4 = less important)

For Bulgaria – Case studies 1; Thematic videos 2; Web-based videos 2;

Field trips 1; Email/blog based answer of farmer questions in a web portal 2; Blog

based discussion forum 2; E-based information (used in the classroom and

accesible after) 2; E-learning (entirely on-line course) 2; Magazines 2; Journals 3;

Newsletters 3; Other (please explain) no answer.

For Romania - Case studies: 1, 34 - 92%; 4, 3 - 8%; Thematic video

presentations: 1, 35 - 95%; 4, 2 - 5%; Video presentations on website: 1, 33 - 89%;

4, 4 - 11%; Trips (visits) in the field: 1, 34 - 92%; 4, 3 - 8%; E-mail questions /

responses in a web site: 1, 28 - 76%; 4, 9 - 24%; Discussion forum on the blog: 1,

21 - 57%; 4, 16 - 43%; Information based online sources (used in class and

available and later): 1, 26 - 70%; 4, 11 - 30%.

51

E-learning (courses entirely online –on the web site): 1, 25 - 70%; 4, 11 -30%;

Magazines: 1, 25 - 68%; 4, 12 - 32%; Newspapers: 1, 26 - 70%; 4, 11 - 30%; Other

publications: 1, 26 - 70%; 4, 11 - 30%.

For Slovenia - Case studies 2; Thematic videos 6; Web-based videos 4;

Field trips 1; Email/blog based answer of farmer questions in a web portal 3; Blog

based discussion forum 7; E-based information (used in the classroom and

accesible after) 5; E-learning (entirely on-line course) 10; Magazines 9; Journals

8; Newsletters 11; Other (please explain) no answer.

Answers to the question “The ideal trainer in Organic Agriculture should”

(Rate: 1 = most important; 7 = less important)

For Bulgaria – Be a farmer or agronomist specialized in organic agriculture

1; Live in the countryside 5; Be specialized in the crops cultivated in a specific area

3; Have experience as trainer 4; Be familiar with technology (internet, etc) 6; Include

an open discussion in the course 7; Be up-to-date with farming techniques, market

trends and legislation 2 , Other (please explain)

For Romania - To be a farmer or agronomist / horticulturist / zootechnicians

in for Organic Agriculture: 1, 37 -100%; Live in rural areas: 1, 32 - 86%; 7, 5 -14%;

Be specialized in crops grown in a specific area: 1, 37 -100%; Have experience in

training: 1, 35 - 95%; 7, 2 - 5%; Be familiar with modern information technology /

communications (Internet, etc.): 1, 36 - 97%; 7, 1 - 3%; Courses including an open

discussion: 1, 36 - 97%; 7, 1 - 3%; Be aware of farm techniques, market trends and

legislation: 1, 34 - 92% ; 7, 3 - 8%.

For Slovenia - Be a farmer or agronomist specialized in organic agriculture 1;

Live in the countryside 7; Be specialized in the crops cultivated in a specific area 6;

Have experience as trainer 5; Be familiar with technology (internet, etc) 4; Include

an open discussion in the course 3; Be up-to-date with farming techniques, market

trends and legislation 2 , Other - performs tests, practical experience.

A future objective of Organic.Balkanet project is to train trainers in organic

agriculture. Answers to the question “Would you like to participate as a trainer for

trainers in that action?” Figure 65.

52

Would you like to participate as a trainer for trainers in that action?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Yes No Contact me later No answer

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 65 Answers to the question “Would you like to participate as a trainer for

trainers in that action?” (Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

Would you provide resources to contribute to the training or to be available in the training web portal?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No Contact me later

Bulgaria

Romania

Slovenia

Fig. 66 Answers to the question “Would you provide resources to contribute

to the training or to be available in the training web portal?”

(Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

To the question “Could you suggest other experts who could act as trainers

or provide resources?” For Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia – no answer was given.

53

6.3. QUESTIONNAIRE EVALUATION

Has the present questionnaire covered the objective of the workshop „to define training needs in organic agriculture”?

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Bulgaria Romania Slovenia

Yes

No

Fig. 67 Answers to the question “Has the present questionnaire covered

the objective of the workshop „to define training needs in organic agriculture”?”

(Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia)

Participants from Slovenia considered that the topics insufficiently analysed:

marketing connection

Answers to the next “Your suggestions towards quality certified training in

organic agriculture”: For Bulgaria – More than 96% of the participants approve the

initiative as very good. They suggest for future training to be includes maximum

practical information and real examples.

For Romania – Legislation; Plant protection (two persons); Appropriate workshops,

welcome in the current context; Organic products marketing (5 persons).;

Packaging and marketing of organic products; Financial support for training

organizations; To better define the system of products approval; To train more

trainers in the county; To develop marketing problems for organic products;

Requires training on techniques for organic field crops and greenhouses (3

persons); To make better popularization of organic products to increase public

interest and consumption.

For Slovenia - More lectures that last one month and include field work, more

lectures that are lead by successful farmers. Frequent suggestion: the questionnaire

is to long.

54

7. Conclusions

After studying the national meetings results in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia, we

came to the following important conclusions:

- The meetings in all three countries were successful;

- All participants are interested in organic farming;

- The participants have basic knowledge and competence of organic farming

and internet;

After summarizing the results of the three national meetings we consider that

following topics are of future interest:

- Fruit growing in organic farming (apple, pear, cherry) and production

valorisation;

- Vegetable growing in organic agriculture (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants,

carrot, cabbage, onions, etc.);

- Production and valorisation a organic farm specialized in potatoes, corn, field

beans and wheat growing;

- Dairy cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry breeding in organic farming;

- Beekeeping and apiculture products valorisation in organic farming.

- Marketing organic products- Packaging –trade;

- Soil management in organic farms;

- Plant protection (pest & disease management) and weed control in

vineyards and fruits orchards.

- Plant protection (pest & disease management) and weed control vegetables

organic gardens.

- Organic seed production

- Organic yields production and valorisation in a farm specialized in barley,

corn, wheat and oats growing;

- Practical approaches for been breeding in organic farming;

- Quality assurance of products and process in organic farming;

- Dairy cows, sheep, goats, breeding in organic farming;

- Rural tourism and organic agriculture

55

8. Annexes

Annex 1.

I N V I T A T I O N

Dear Sir or Madam,

We are writing to invite you and your colleagues to take part in an international European initiative called “Developing the skills of Organic Agriculture Trainers for the Balkans” (Organic.Balkanet). The project Organic.Balkanet is project from the program Leonardo da Vinci with overall aim facilitate the transfer of innovative training practices and e-learning content to the case of vocational education of young and unemployed agricultural professionals, as well as to agricultural professionals in new EU members. We are hoping to recruit people related to organic agriculture and organic agriculture training to attend a short workshop where we will conduct a needs assessment of organic agriculture trainings.

Organic.Balkanet’s main goal is to provide a quality assured training program for organic agriculture trainers/ advisors along with compiling an online available database with the training program content (lecture slides, notes, papers, other). This will be achieved through the interaction of the stakeholders and organic agriculture experts through workshops (national consultation meetings) in order to define training needs. Subsequently, a training program will be developed through pilot actions and constant evaluation and valorization.

The objective of the workshop to which you are invited is to get a group of individuals together who may contribute by their point of view and expertise to the establishment of an organic agriculture training which will advance the knowledge provided by such educational activities up to date in accordance to EU regulations and certification scheme.

The workshop will be approximately 5-6 hours long and involve a questionnaire section as well as a number of more thoughtful and open discussions.

The workshop venue will be in Rousse and will start at 10 h am on Thursday, the 25th of March at University of Rousse “Angel Kanchev”, Studentska 8 Str. We expect the workshop will take approximately 5-6 hours and refreshments will be provided.

We hope that you are interested in attending, since without your input the project would not have a solid foundation on which to stand. Please confirm if you will or will not be able to attend by letter, email or phone by 1.03.2010 at the contact information provided below.

Sincerely, Dr. Atanas Atanasov Phone: 0885497406 or 082 888442 Email: aatanasov@ru.acad.bg or vezirov@ru.acad.bg Address: 7017, Rousse, University of Rousse “Angel Kanchev” Studentska 8.

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Annex 2

List of units to which had been sent invitations to the National Workshop in Bulgaria

Foundation for agriculture and environment Tel.0888215268

Balkan biocert ltd. Tel. 032625888 E-mail: gm@balkanbiocert.com

Lаcon Ltd. Tel. 0619/231 87 E-mail: laconbg@gmail.com

Association for organic agriculture “BIOSELENA” Tel: 0335 9 20 38 E-mail:

headoffice@bioselena.com

Bulgarian foundation "BIODIVERSITY” Tel. 02 / 931 61 83 E-mail:

bbf@biodiversity.bg

QC&I International Service E-mail: office@qci.bg

Institute of agriculture and seed science “Obraztcov chiflik” – Rousse – E-mail:

izsruse@elits.rousse.bg

Agricultural University Plovdiv – E-mail: rector@au-plovdiv.bg

Bulgarian association Bio products Tel.0885000484 E-mail: wralcheva@abv.bg

Individual invitations to farmers, students, consumers and researchers

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Annex 3

List of participants of the National Workshop in Bulgaria

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Annex 4

National Workshop Meeting Agenda

Training Needs in Organic Agriculture

March 25. 2010, University of Rousse A. Kanchev, Rousse, Bulgaria

www.ru.acad.bg

Time Item

10:00 – 10:30

Welcoming the participants and presentation a purpose of the workshop (Atanas Atanasov)

Presentation of Organic.Balkanet project partners. Introduction, aims and objectives of the project Organic.Balkanet (Atanas Atanasov)

10:30 – 11:00 Introduction to Organic Agriculture Training at the European Scale (Atanas Atanasov)

11: 00 – 11: 45

1. Procedure for applying and obtaining a certificate for organic production (Julian Marinov LACON Ltd.)

2. Current problems of organic farming and possibilities for their solution (Beloev Christo, Peter Radulov, Angel Atanasov, Petar Dimitrov Kaloyan Stoyanov)

11: 45 – 12: 30 Collection through a questionnaire of Expected / Needed Competences for the Training in Organic Agriculture

12: 30 – 13: 30 Lunch break

13: 30-14:00 Working Groups formation and brainstorming:

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Training needs in OA, quality certification of OA training, pedagogy and ways of training delivery to improve knowledge diffusion and training efficiency. Distribution of information materials (Albena Simeonova)

14:00 – 14:30 Working Groups Results Reports - Moderator (Chavdar Vezirov)

14:30 – 15:00 Open Discussion and Transfer of the Groups Results to a synthesis report - Moderator (Chavdar Vezirov)

15 : 00 End of National Workshop

Useful information

You can find Rousse University on the next Google map.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=bg&ie=UTF8&ll=43.853129,25.969706&spn=0.006251,0.021243&z=16&pw=2&output=html&oi=nojs

Address: 7017, Rousse, University of Rousse “Angel Kanchev”

Studentska 8.

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Annex 5

List of publications distributed to the participants in Bulgaria

GUIDES

1. Guidance for farmers at the program for rural development 2007-2013.

Priority Axis 2 "Improving the Environment and Nature”.

2. Commission Regulation (EC) N 889/2008 of 5 September 2008. On organic

production and labeling of organic products.

BROCHURES

Production of wild and grafted vines

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Annex 6

List of units to which had been sent invitations to the National

Workshop in Romania

University Alecsandri" of Bacau, Marasesti Way, No 157, Bacau Tel:

0234.542.411, 0234.545.753, http://www.ub.ro

Vegetable Research and Development Station of Bacau, Barlad Way, No 220,

Bacau, Tel: 0234-544963, Fax: 0234-517370, email sclbac@legumebac.ro,

www.legumebac.ro

Research and Development Station for Fruit Growing, Falticeni, Plutonier

Ghinea street, No. 10, Falticeni, Suceava County Tel. 0230/544944 e-mail

scdp_falticeni@yahoo.com

Suceava County Office of Consltancy in Agriculture, December 1918 Avenue I,

No 3, Suceava, Tel: 0330401757 BIOMOLD Association, Barlad Way, No 220,

Bacau, Tel. 0768106644, 0234-544963, Fax: 0234-517370, email

sclbac@legumebac.ro

Asăul Valley Association, com Asău, Bacau county, Tel. 0234-386146,

0744571714; S.C. Farmacia Naturii, Str. Erou Gheorghe Rusu, No 4, Bacau 600

036 , Tel / Fax: 0234-537346.

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Annex 7

63

64

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Annex 8

WORKSHOP AGENDA

Of the National Workshop in Romania

Falticeni, May 17, 2010, House Carp

- 10 .00 pm - Welcoming the participants, distribution of information materials

Eng. Sebastian Bruma, Dr.biol Cristea Tina Oana;

- 10 .30 pm - Presentation of ORGANIC.Balkanet project partners and how they

are involved in the project - Dr ing.Lucian Stoian;

- 11 .15 pm - Presentation of ORGANIC Balkanet project objectives and how to

achieve them - Dr. Eng Lucian Stoian;

- 12 .00 pm - "The importance of organic agriculture in ensuring environmental

protection and food production for healthy people"- Dr. Eng Lucian Stoian;

- 12 .30 pm - Discussion - Moderator Dr. Eng Maria Calin;

- 14 .15 pm - Completion and delivery of questionnaires;

- 14 .30 pm - Snacks - free discussion.

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Annex 9

List of publications distributed to the participants in Romania

Informations materiale

1. Vegetable varieties and hybrids for organic growing.

2. Organic vegetable business calendar.

3. Inter Association of Biological Agriculture Biomold.

4. Research and Development Station of Vegetable Growing Bacau.

BROCHURES

1. Organic peppers.

2. Of organic onion chives.

3. Organic green vegetables.

4. Organic root vegetables.

5. Useful crops in farming practice.

PRODUCT - Species and hybrids of vegetable and flower farming recommended.

GUIDES

1. Parctical guide for organic vegetables.

2. Guide for recognition and control of the pests in vegetable organic growing.

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Annex 10

List of units to which had been sent invitations to the National Workshop in

Slovenia

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69

70

71

72

73

Annex 11

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Annex 12

75

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User requirements Organic.Balkanet questionnaires

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

What is your 1. Name: …………………………… Surname…………………………………. 2. E-mail: ………………………………………………………………………….. 3. Mob. Tel.: ………………………………………………………………………. 4. Age: <25 25-35 35-45 > 45 5. Gender: Male Female 6. Profession: 1. Organic Agriculture (OA) Farmer 2. Former OA Farmer 3. Future OA Farmer 4. OA expert 5. OA Certification agent 6. Agronomist 7. Training expert 8. Teacher 9. Authorities 10. Researcher 11. Other

2. COMPETENCIES ( please mark the correct assertion for you)

2.1 Your highest level of education Doctorate Post-graduate Master

University College High

school Other

2.2 Your highest level of training in organic agriculture is:

Doctorate Master University College High school

Company courses

Self study

Other

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2.3 Your experience as trainer/advisor Main profession Teach from time to time

Have acted as a trainer in the past

No experience

2.4 The following questions are about your Internet and e-mail knowledge and competencies. Please circle one of the three options that best applies to you.

I can find what I want on the Internet

easily with some difficulty not at all

I can add websites to my favorites

easily with some difficulty not at all

I can send attached files

easily with some difficulty not at all

I can download documents onto my computer

easily with some difficulty not at all

2.4 The following questions are about your organic agriculture nowledge and competencies.

2.4.1. Do you have any interest in Organic Agriculture (OA)? Yes No 2.4.2. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Use “1” for the “Agree strongly”; Use 5 for the “Disagree strongly”) a) I have a good knowledge of Organic Agriculture.

1 2 3 4 5

b) Organic Agriculture foods are less safe than conventional foods. 1 2 3 4 5

c) Organic Agriculture is dangerous for the environment. 1 2 3 4 5

d) Organic Agriculture certification does not guarantee high food quality. 1 2 3 4 5

е) Most Organic Agriculture farmers are interested only in profits.

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1 2 3 4 5

3. INFORMATION NEEDS

3.1. In your opinion, what is the level of existing information about Organic Agriculture?

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

3.2. Do you have Internet access? Yes No

3.3. Do you think that Internet as a medium can support Organic Agriculture activities? Yes No 3.4. Rate how important is Internet technologies for your activities? (1: Not important 5: Very important)

1 2 3 4 5 3.5. Do you know if there are Organic Agriculture Information/services available on the Internet? Yes No 3.6. How important do you consider for the following actors to have access to information/services about Organic Agriculture through the Internet? (1: Not important 5: Very important)

1 2 3 4 5

3.7. Would you be interested in a web portal concerning Organic Agriculture? Yes No 3.8. Would you like to be advertised through such a web portal? Yes No 3.9. Are you interested in receiving further information / getting involved in Organic.Balkanet initiative? Yes No 4. TRAINING NEEDS

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4.1. Think about farmers in your countries: In your opinion, what is their current knowledge in Organic Agriculture? Very good to excellent Good Limited to none I cannot estimate 4.2. In your opinion, what is your farmers' interest for Organic Agriculture? (1: No interest at all 5: Great interest)

1 2 3 4 5 Name Institutions you know that implement OA trainings In your country.………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. In other countries……………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..………………….

Choose the topics you are aware are/have been taught in previous OA trainings

Organic agriculture principles Legislation/certification Soil management Fertilization Irrigation Weed control Plant protection (pest & disease management) Rural tourism

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Packaging –trade Organic greenhouse production Nutritional value of organic products Marketing Agricultural economics Post-harvest handling Other

Current and desired level of training in Organic agriculture

Organic agriculture training topics Current level of

skill

1=low, 2=moderate, 3=high

Desired level

of skill

1=low, 2=moderate, 3=high

Organic Farming Legislation/ Certification and Standards

Quality assurance of Products and Process

Agroecology principles – Indicators of sustainability

Conventional, Integrated and Organic Farming (Similarities & Differences)

Organic Seed Production / Seed Conservation and Maintenance

Access to Organic Seed Accessions and Resources

Animal Welfare Fertilization in Organic Farming (e.g. composting technology, compost applications to weed management, compost and soil properties Improvement, cover crops and mulching in OA, crop rotations in relation to soil nutrition, livestock manures in crop rotation, green manure and cover crops, agrobiodiversity in relation to plant nutrition, natural (organic) fertilizers, soil nutrients monitoring and balance nutrition )

Weed control (tillage, mulching, mowing)

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Plant Protection (e.g. pheromone traps for pest monitoring and control , bed traps for beneficial insects, rotations as a mean to control soil pathogens, agrobiodiversity and crop protection, practices to reduce plant susceptibility to pests and diseases, natural pesticides, biological control of pests)

Allowed agrochemicals in organic agriculture

Livestock in organic farms(e.g. planning, management, case studies)

Pruning, flower/fruit thinning Environmental pollution Harvest and post-harvest handling Packaging and storage Marketing/ modern sales techniques Field management (e.g. crop rotation planning, yield stabilisation)

Machinery Decision Making Planning and Organizing Communication Negotiation Skills Use of computer for writing documents Use of computer for logistics, accounting and archiving transactions

Use of computer for communication through email

Use of computer for data search Health and safety Modern training techniques Interactive training Other? Other?

Main weaknesses of previous trainings Rate: 1 = most weak 8 = less weak Inappropriate trainers (eg specialized in other crops) -------- Insufficient topic selection --------- Lack of in-depth analysis --------- Lack of practical training --------- Lack of interactive learning --------- The provided information was too general ---------

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The provided information was too sophisticated/scientific --------- Short training ---------- Suggest other or explain specific examples within the above topics …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. 4.3. In your opinion, is the cumbersome procedure of organic farms certification? (1: No cumbersome at all 5: Great cumbersome)

1 2 3 4 5 5. MARKET ANALYSIS

5.1. Whether consumers in your country know where to buy organic products? Yes No 5.2. You consume organic products Always Sometimes Never 5.3. Your main complaints as a consumer of organic products High prices Seasonal lack of products Bad quality Other 5.4. In case you are involved in the supply chain: what improvements would you suggest to organic farmers for their products Quality stability Supply stability Agrochemical residue analysis

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Other (please specify) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.5. Where purchase organic products? Directly from the farmer Retail traders Shops specialized in organic products Big chain markets like METRO etc. Other (please specify) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5.6. Are you interested in using electronic market to buy or to sell organic production? Yes No 5.7. Are you interest in the long-term preservation of the product quality? S Yes No Suggest other or explain specific examples within the above topics …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. 6. PEDAGOGY

6.1. Is there enough agricultural experts in organic farming in your country?

(1: No enough at all 5: Great enough) 1 2 3 4 5

6.2. If the training duration is one week which are the priority topics? …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. 6.3. How often should trainers be trained?

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…………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. 6.4. What would be the ideal training duration?

…………………………………………………………………..…………………. …………………………………………………………………..…………………. 6.5.Suggest techniques that you feel are important to include in a quality OA training

Rate: 1 = most important

4 = less important

Case studies

Thematic videos Web-based videos Field trips Email/blog based answer of farmer questions in a web portal

Blog based discussion forum

E-based information (used in the classroom and accesible after)

E-learning (entirely on-line course)

Magazines

Journals

Newsletters

Other (please explain)

……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 6.6. The ideal trainer in Organic Agriculture should

Rate: 1 = most important

7 = less important

Be a farmer or agronomist specialized in organic agriculture

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Live in the countryside

Be specialized in the crops cultivated in a specific area

Have experience as trainer

Be familiar with technology (internet, etc)

Include an open discussion in the course

Be up-to-date with farming techniques, market trends and legislation

Other (please explain)

……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………. 6.7. A future objective of Organic.Balkanet project is to train trainers in organic agriculture.

6.7.1. Would you like to participate as a trainer for trainers in that action?

Yes

No

Contact me later

6.7.2. Would you provide resources to contribute to the training or to be available in the training web portal?

Yes

No

Contact me later

6.7.3. Could you suggest other experts who could act as trainers or provide resources?

Name Email

Name Email

Name Email

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7. QUESTIONNAIRE EVALUATION

6.1. Has the present questionnaire covered the objective of the workshop „to define training needs in organic agriculture”?

Yes

No

Topics insufficiently analysed:

……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… 6.2. Your suggestions towards quality certified training in organic agriculture:

……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………