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    RDP project database

    Promoting Energy Efficiency on the Farm ('Eco-Driving in Agriculture')

    Summary

    A vocational training project in Sweden that used EAFRD support to highlight and promote the energy efficient "eco-driving" of farm machinery as a simple step towards improving farm profitability and encouraging climate action at farm-level.

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    Background

    Between 10-15% of fuel can be saved through so-called “eco-driving” of tractors, combine harvesters or other farm vehicles. Improvements in driving style, such as regularly checking and changing tyre pressures according to the load on the tractor and prevailing field conditions, has benefits for both the environment and farm profitability.

    Objective

    The overall aim of the project is to create the motivation and knowledge for most farmers using tractors and other diesel vehicles to drive in a more “climate smart” way. This has started with the development of a training package for trainers in the Swedish county of Jönköping.

    Main activities

    Activities began with the collection and documentation of available knowledge and experience on the theme of eco-driving in agriculture. This was then applied to development of a professional 'training-of-trainers' course in the "economical driving" of agricultural machinery. At least ten instructors (including two women) will be trained who will later lead farm level training courses throughout Sweden. The project concludes with some local pilot training activities for tractor drivers.

    Results & Benefits

    A complete training package has been developed and training has been completed with 10 prospective instructors. Test training is conducted at four sites in the country with a total of 30 participants. All key stakeholders in farmers' education and training in Sweden are behind the project.

    Lessons learnt

    The overall goal for the training is that it will contribute to the agricultural industry reducing emissions by 10-15 percent in 15 years. Agriculture in Sweden would thus be able to save 60-70 million euro per year. The project has shown that the test training has gone well, which has developed opportunities to conduct training in more places.

    Project location and other information

    The project started in Jönköping County, but will carry out training throughout Sweden.

    Region

    Jönköpings län

    RDP Territory

    Sweden

    Total project cost (€)

    49 000

    EAFRD contribution (€)

    23 000

    National contribution (€)

    23 000

    Private contribution (€)

    3 000

    Contact name

    Sören Dahl

    Telephone

    +46 363 42379

    Languages for contact

    Swedish

    At a glance

    Country

    Sweden

    Final beneficiary type

    Individual farmers

    Budget range

    €20 000 - €99 999

    Start date:

    01/12/2008

    End Date:

    31/12/2009

    Theme / Measure:

    • Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
    • Promoting knowledge and improving human potential
    • 111. Vocational training and information actions

    Keywords:

    Advisory service, Agricultural pollution, Climate action, Environmental education, Farm skills

    Last update

    12/02/2012