Successful Student Outreach Program Focused on Sustainable Livestock Farming and Rural Development

Between 20 – 22 April 2026, a three-day student Outreach program was successfully conducted, aimed at supporting small livestock farms through sustainable practices, community engagement, and innovative solutions. The initiative brought together students from Bugaria, Greece, Türkiye, Portugal and Poland, academic staff, and international experts in a dynamic, practice-oriented learning environment that combined fieldwork, training, and solution development.

The program began with a focus on understanding the socio-economic challenges faced by small livestock farms. A key highlight was the field visit to a farm applying integrated agricultural practices oriented toward organic production. This visit provided participants with first-hand insight into sustainable farming models, efficient resource use, and opportunities for value-added production. The experience played a crucial role in bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications and inspired students in their subsequent work.

During the second day, students engaged in training sessions on sustainable livestock and eco-practices, followed by collaborative design activities where they developed innovative ideas for farm diversification. The program emphasized teamwork, creativity, and practical thinking, as participants worked on business models, outreach strategies, and pilot concepts.

The final day focused on testing proposed solutions directly on farms, in collaboration with local stakeholders. Students presented their results and contributed to the development of actionable roadmaps aimed at supporting local agricultural development.

A virtual thematic discussion was also held, addressing socio-economic challenges in rural areas and livestock farming within the context of sustainable development, with participation from international partners. The discussion featured active contributions from Eyjólfur Kristinn Örnólfsson from the Agricultural University of Iceland and Jual Milan Garcia from the University of Almeria. Prof. Milan Garcia presented key insights on the socio-economic challenges faced by municipalities in Spain, while Prof. Örnólfsson highlighted the specific characteristics, opportunities, and challenges of agriculture and sustainable development in Iceland, providing valuable comparative perspectives.

The outreach was supported by a dedicated team of mentors, including Svetoslav Karamfilov from the Department of Animal Science, Krum Hristov and Emiliya Koycheva (Work Package 5), Rositsa Beluhova (Work Package 2), and the international expert Paulo Sanches from the Polytechnic University of Coimbra. Special recognition is given to the active contribution of Department of Animal Science, whose involvement significantly supported the successful implementation of the program.

The event demonstrated the value of experiential learning, international collaboration, and the strong link between academic knowledge and real-world agricultural challenges. The outcomes of the program provide a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable rural development and strengthening the resilience of small livestock farms.