OrganicAdviceNetwork, a project aimed at strengthening organic advisory skills and networks across Europe, offers a free basic online course introducing the principles and fundamental practices of organic farming and the services offered by organic advisors. The course starts on November 13, 2025 and consists of 12 online sessions, each focusing on a key aspect of organic farming and advisory services.
Who is it addressed to
The course provides participants with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the role of organic advisors and the broader context of organic farming in Europe.
The training event is particularly suitable for
– students of agricultural sciences or related disciplines;
– recent graduates seeking guidance in the organic sector;
– early-career professionals and individuals interested in becoming organic farming advisors.
12 online sessions
In the course consisting of 12 online sessions (30 total hours), participants will acquire a basic understanding of organic farming systems and the various topics relevant to advisory work in this field.
Each session is led by qualified professionals and experts from across Europe, engaged in research and advisory organizations, offering both theoretical contributions and insights into the practical reality of organic advisory services. To support networking and peer learning, the course also includes online forums dedicated spaces where participants can exchange ideas, ask questions, and reflect together on the course content.
The course is supported by the staff of FiBL and ITAB, who provide assistance in English, German and French.
Three languages with subtitles
During the live sessions, real-time subtitles will be available in three languages: English, German and French. Recordings of the lessons will be available in the same languages.
The organizers also provide participants with optional in-depth materials to explore the topics on their own.
The weekly self-assessment tests also allow you to monitor your learning progress. At the end of the course, after completing all the sessions and passing the weekly self-assessment tests, participants will receive the certificate official digital certificate. In addition to the ability to
– understand the fundamentals of organic farming and the role of advisory work;
– evaluate sustainable strategies for plant protection and animal welfare;
– recognize the importance of biodiversity and climate adaptation in organic products;
– assess the steps and challenges of conversion to organic farming.
The course program
The program is structured into 12 sessions weekly training sessions, each lasting two hours, on Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Each session focuses on a key aspect of organic farming and advisory services, according to this schedule:
– 13 November 2025. Organic farming: a historical introduction to the organic family
– 20 November 2025. Organic principles: values and legal foundations, including certification and control
– 27 November 2025. Systems thinking: soil fertility as a fundamental example
– 4 December 2025. Agricultural production: nutrient management in organic systems
– 11 December 2025. Pest and disease control: strategies for sustainable plant protection
– 18 December 2025. Weed control: strategies and practices in farming
– 15 January 2026. Livestock: animals in organic farming
– 22 January 2026. Animal welfare: health and welfare in organic systems
– 29 January 2026. Agrobiodiversity: seeds, genetic improvement and genetic resources
– 5 February 2026. Climate adaptation: strategies for organic farming systems
– 12 February 2026. Added value: marketing and consumer interaction in organic products
– 19 February 2026. Conversion to organic: advantages and challenges.
Each session includes presentations, practical examples, Q&A sessions, self-assessment tests and additional materials (information sheets, videos, podcasts, etc.) to explore and review the topics at your own pace. Course materials and recordings are made available to registered participants.
How to participate
The course is free. To register, you must sign up on the OrganicAdviceNetwork.space platform, at this link https://organicadvicenetwork.space/course/index.php?categoryid=4 and enrollment in the course.
Marta Strinati
Cover image from the website OrganicAdviceNetwork
Professional journalist since January 1995, she has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and magazines (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). Author of journalistic investigations on food, she has published the book 'Reading labels to know what we eat'.
