From 15 to 19 September 2025, the ReGrow consortium held its 1st Study Visit in Thessaloniki, Greece, hosted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). The five‑day programme brought together academic staff, experts and practitioners from Georgia and Ukraine, offering an immersive experience in modern agricultural education, research infrastructures and digital farming practices.
The Study Visit forms a key milestone in ReGrow’s mission to rebuild growth in agriculture by enhancing higher education systems in post‑conflict Ukraine and transitioning Georgia. Through hands‑on learning, knowledge exchange and collaborative planning, partners explored how European excellence can support resilient, future‑ready agricultural curricula.
Day 1 – Opening the Dialogue on Modern Pedagogy
The Study Visit opened at the AUTH Farm with a warm welcome from the coordination team. The first sessions focused on innovative teaching methodologies in higher agricultural education, highlighting student‑centred learning, blended approaches and the use of digital tools such as Mentimeter, Kahoot and Padlet.
Participants were introduced to the Farm Field Schools model, an experiential learning framework that connects theory with hands‑on practice. The day concluded with a presentation of key findings from WP3, outlining curriculum gaps, market needs and opportunities for modernisation. A roundtable discussion allowed partners from Georgia and Ukraine to share their local challenges, particularly regarding digital learning and connectivity.
Day 2 & Day 3 – Inside AUTH’s Research and Academic Ecosystem
The second and third days were dedicated to exploring AUTH’s Research & Innovation Labs and understanding how scientific expertise supports teaching, applied research and skills development.
Partners visited several laboratories across the Department of Agriculture, engaging with academic staff from diverse fields such as precision agriculture, soil science, agricultural engineering, food technology and livestock production. Through guided tours and discussions, participants gained a clearer understanding of how AUTH integrates research infrastructures, modern equipment and practical training into its academic programmes.
These visits highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and demonstrated how laboratory‑based learning contributes to the development of competent, market‑ready graduates.
Day 4 – From Knowledge to Action
The fourth day focused on synthesising the lessons learned and transforming them into actionable steps. Partners worked together to draft the Study Visit Report, documenting good practices, recommendations and commitments for the next phases of the project.
A dedicated session on the Roadmap for Local Implementation helped define responsibilities, timelines and next steps for integrating the Study Visit’s insights into institutional strategies in Georgia and Ukraine.
Day 5 – Digital Farming in Practice
The final day took place at the farm of the Kravvas family, offering participants a real‑world look at digital agriculture in action. The hosting producer shared the farm’s journey toward adopting modern technologies, including sensors, drones, decision‑support tools and traceability practices that support daily operations.
A guided field tour demonstrated how data collection, weather monitoring and irrigation optimisation contribute to smarter and more sustainable farm management. During an open discussion, the producer highlighted the skills and competencies expected from future graduates, emphasising the importance of practical training and modernised curricula.
A Week of Shared Vision and Lasting Impact
The 1st Study Visit in Thessaloniki successfully combined academic learning, hands‑on experience and strategic planning. It strengthened collaboration across the consortium and provided partners with concrete tools, methodologies and inspiration to advance agricultural education in their countries.
As ReGrow moves forward, the knowledge exchanged during this week will play a crucial role in shaping modern, resilient and future‑ready agricultural programmes for Georgia and Ukraine.
The journey continues — and so does our commitment to rebuilding growth in agriculture.
