Free Open Online Course “Integrating Food and Energy Production on Farmland” launched

A new online course “Integrating Food and Energy Production on Farmland” has just launched. Developed by the University of Reading as part of the EU funded project Value4Farm (https://value4farm.eu) it aims to build an understanding of the ways in which crop and renewable energy production can be integrated on farmland and explores the innovative ways farmers are combining crops with solar panels in agrivoltaic systems and producing biogas. 

Aimed at farmers, it explores how agrivoltaics and biogas production technologies fit alongside traditional farming. It allows learners to discover what works (and what doesn’t) and understand the real benefits and challenges farmers face when integrating energy production on their farms. 

The ecological and technical benefits of these renewable energy systems and how they impact the whole farm ecosystem from soil health to food production are explored alongside the support available to implement these technologies. The course also looks at how policy, regulations and legislation shape what’s possible on farms and how they can influence renewable energy adoption. Through providing information on farming practices and on the possibilities of renewable-based solutions, the course aims to support farmers in making suitable choices for their farm and situation. 

The course is available for free through FutureLearn – Integrating Food and Energy Production on Farmland – Online Course and runs over 2 weeks of self-directed learning. You can start, study and complete the course when it suits you. The course has also been accredited by EIT Food (EIT Label | EIT Food Learning Services) and learners successfully completing the course will receive a Certificate of Achievement. 

We look forward to welcoming you on to the course! 

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