Rural areas across Europe face significant challenges due to high energy costs, dependence on non-renewable sources, and increasing environmental degradation. The agricultural sector in particular is heavily impacted, with rising energy demands and the need to transition towards sustainable practices. Biomass energy, derived from local agricultural residues, offers a promising solution to these challenges by reducing energy costs, creating new income streams for farmers, and promoting environmental sustainability. The SUSRUD project was developed to address these needs and to contribute to the broader objectives of the EU Green Deal, the Renewable Energy Directive, and the drive towards climate neutrality by 2050.

PROJECT PROGRAMME
The SUSRUD project is funded under the Erasmus+ KA210-VET programme, Small-scale Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training. It is implemented by a transnational consortium of partners from France, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Türkiye. The project duration is 15 months, running from March 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, with a total project grant of €60,000.

PROJECT AIM
The main aim of SUSRUD is to promote sustainable rural development by empowering farmers, VET educators, and rural communities with knowledge, skills, and practical tools to adopt and implement biomass energy solutions. The project seeks to modernize vocational education and training in the agricultural sector, reduce energy costs for farmers, and foster environmentally sustainable practices that contribute to climate action goals.

OBJECTIVES
The project aims to reduce energy costs in agriculture by promoting the use of locally produced biomass energy. It seeks to enhance the knowledge and skills of at least 200 farmers and 40 VET educators on the use of biomass energy technologies. It also aims to develop and disseminate a comprehensive, practical guidebook on establishing and maintaining biomass energy facilities. Another objective is to organize a workshop and field visit in France for 16 farmers, offering hands-on learning and demonstration of good practices. Additionally, the project will produce a series of 12 inspirational podcasts and videos, showcasing success stories and good practices from partner countries, with a goal of reaching at least 4,000 viewers.

TARGET GROUP
The primary target groups of SUSRUD include farmers in rural areas, particularly those facing high energy costs and interested in adopting sustainable energy solutions. It also targets VET educators and trainers involved in agricultural education and rural development. Local communities, village administrations, and local government representatives engaged in rural sustainability initiatives are also key target groups. Policymakers and decision-makers at the local, regional, and national levels, agricultural and environmental NGOs supporting sustainable rural development, and the general public and media, to raise broader awareness of the benefits of biomass energy, are also addressed by the project.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES
SUSRUD will implement a series of interlinked activities to achieve its objectives. The project management and implementation component will coordinate project activities, ensuring effective communication, financial management, and quality assurance across the partnership. A SUSRUD Practical Guide will be developed, providing comprehensive guidance on biomass energy technologies for farmers, educators, and local leaders. The project will organize a hands-on workshop and site visit in France to demonstrate best practices in biomass energy to selected farmers and educators. Additionally, an inspirational podcast and video series will be produced and disseminated to inspire wider adoption of biomass energy and share lessons learned from project partners.

For more information about the project and upcoming activities, please visit our website: https://susrud.eu/