EUFRAS COFFEE Break "Growing Together" about YoungEUFRAS Training program 2026-27 / video

Pablo explained that the program supports young advisors at the start of their careers, helping them become skilled advisors capable of leading discussions, supporting farmers, and providing the best solutions for their clients. The program is open not only to traditional farmer advisors but also to gardeners and fishery advisors, as seen in previous training program. Participants gain opportunities to develop change management, innovation, and advisory skills, become motivated and confident professionals, and integrate into an international network.

The program benefits both participants and organizations. It provides motivated young advisors who are likely to stay with their organizations, offering high-quality training without the need to develop programs internally, saving time and resources. Participants gain hands-on experience with real clients, receive feedback from colleagues and trainers, and learn alongside advisors from various disciplines, fostering broad methodological expertise and interdisciplinary learning.

The program combines online and in-person training, spanning 16 months, 20 active training days, three in-person weeks, and one international study visit, delivering a highly practical, experience-rich learning journey. Participation costs €2,900, covering most travel and accommodation for training weeks. Training is conducted in English, with support for those who are not fluent. The SACRA system ensures high-quality standards, and all trainers are SACRA-certified. The program’s unique value lies in its interactive design, interdisciplinary approach, and international networking, making it a highly motivating and effective experience for young advisors.

Graduates of the program, Bernadette Bennett from Teagasc, Ireland, and Edgars Dzelme from LLKC, Latvia, shared their experiences.

Edgars highlighted the program’s value in the beginning of his career, teaching time and stress management, effective communication with clients and colleagues, and practical advisory skills, with lasting benefits from international contacts and ongoing professional exchange.

Bernadette, primarily a livestock advisor, emphasized that the program focuses on soft skills rather than technical knowledge, particularly communication across diverse backgrounds. It encourages participants to step outside their comfort zone, recognize their strengths, and improve English language skills, while gaining insights into organizational practices across Europe. Her experience also led to her election to the EUFRAS Board, offering insight into international rural advisory work and professional development.

A presentation of the event is also available.

If you are interested, applications for the program are open on the EUFRAS website until 14 November 2025. Young advisors are encouraged to take this opportunity to grow professionally!

The session recording is now available on the EUFRAS YouTube channel.

We are also pleased to announce the next EUFRAS COFFEE Break on 27 November 2025—more information will follow soon.

The latest EUFRAS COFFEE Break focused on the Young EUFRAS training program, “Growing Together”, and brought together over 60 participants from nearly 20 countries. The event took place, as usual, on the last Thursday of the month—30 October 2025 at 10:00 CET via Zoom.

The COFFEE Break session was led by Pablo Asensio, who introduced the program, its objectives, and answered participants’ questions. Pablo expressed high hopes for the program, noting his excitement at its return, inspired by CECRA advisory method courses with an integrated CECRA certification. He emphasized that the program is delivered in partnership with EUFRAS, SEASN, Teagasc, IPN, and KGZS, with a special focus this year on the Southeast European region.