What exactly is Erasmus+ and what does it mean for Europe’s education, training, youth, and sport sectors? Let’s dive into the details of this transformative EU programme.

Erasmus+ is more than just a programme—it’s a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and collaboration across Europe. With an estimated budget of €26.2 billion, Erasmus+ represents a significant investment in the future of our continent. This budget is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020), underlining the EU’s commitment to supporting education, training, youth, and sport initiatives.

But what sets Erasmus+ apart? One key aspect is its focus on addressing pressing societal challenges and shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and digital future. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong emphasis on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. By aligning with priorities such as the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan, and European Skills Agenda, Erasmus+ aims to drive positive change and foster European cooperation and integration.

Moreover, Erasmus+ is not just about education and training—it’s about empowering individuals and communities. By supporting the European Pillar of Social Rights and implementing the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, the programme seeks to create opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstance. Additionally, through initiatives to develop the European dimension in sport, Erasmus+ promotes health, well-being, and social cohesion across the continent.

To learn more about Erasmus+ and its impact, visit the website of the European Commission: Erasmus+ Website.

In conclusion, Erasmus+ is not just a programme—it’s a catalyst for change, innovation, and progress. By investing in education, training, youth, and sport, Erasmus+ is shaping a brighter future for Europe and its citizens. Join us on this journey of empowerment and collaboration, and together, let’s unlock the full potential of Erasmus+! 🌍✨ #ErasmusPlus #Education #Youth #EuropeanUnion

We’re thrilled to announce that it will take place in beautiful Wroclaw, Poland, this September. 🇵🇱 Stay tuned for updates as we come together to collaborate and drive positive change! #TPM #Wroclaw #CollaborationInProgress 🌟

The results of the UglyFruitsNOT! project speak volumes about its impact and effectiveness in tackling food waste and promoting sustainable consumption. Through dedicated research, collaboration, and innovation, the project has yielded valuable outcomes that will contribute to positive change in the food industry and beyond. Here are some highlights of the project results:

1. The UglyFruitsNOT! State-of-the-art Report (PR1): This comprehensive report provides a deep dive into the current state of food waste and sustainable consumption practices. Drawing on extensive research and analysis, the report offers valuable insights and recommendations for addressing key challenges in the food industry.
2. The UglyFruitsNOT! Curriculum and Handbook for VET trainers (PR2): Empowering vocational trainers with the knowledge and tools to educate future professionals in the food industry, this curriculum and handbook serve as invaluable resources for educators. Designed to be practical and accessible, these materials provide guidance on integrating sustainability principles into vocational training programs.
3. The UglyFruitsNOT! Digital interactive stories (PR3): Leveraging the power of storytelling, these digital interactive stories engage learners and raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste. Through immersive and interactive experiences, learners gain a deeper understanding of sustainable consumption practices and are inspired to take action.
4. The UglyFruitsNOT! e-Learning platform (PR4): Serving as a hub for learning and collaboration, the e-learning platform provides access to educational resources, training modules, and community forums. Designed to be user-friendly and interactive, the platform empowers educators and learners to connect, share ideas, and drive positive change in their communities.

These project results represent a significant step forward in the fight against food waste and the promotion of sustainable consumption. By equipping educators, professionals, and consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices, the UglyFruitsNOT! project is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable food future. Together, let’s celebrate these achievements and continue working towards a world where every fruit and vegetable counts. 🌍🍏 #UglyFruitsNOT #Sustainability #ProjectResults

🌱✨ Transforming Food Waste into Sustainability: Check Out the UglyFruitsNOT! Project Results! 🍎📊 Dive into our comprehensive report, empowering curriculum, engaging digital stories, and interactive e-learning platform. Together, let’s shape a future where every bite counts! 🌍🥦🌟 Stay tuned for insights, achievements, and the impact we’re making in the fight against food waste! 🍏🌱 #UglyFruitsNOT #Sustainability #ProjectResultsComingSoon

Why is it crucial to educate for food waste and consumerism? Let’s delve into the reasons:

1. Environmental Impact: The statistics speak for themselves—around one-third of edible fruits and vegetables worldwide are wasted each year. By educating consumers and professionals alike about the importance of reducing waste, we can minimize the environmental footprint of our food systems and move towards a more sustainable future.
2. Consumer Behavior: Unfortunately, consumers often judge the quality of produce based on appearance, leading to unnecessary waste of perfectly edible „ugly“ fruits and vegetables. Through education and awareness-raising efforts, we can challenge these perceptions and encourage consumers to embrace the beauty of every fruit and vegetable, regardless of their outward appearance.
3. Supply Chain Transformation: Our current food supply chains are linear and contribute to high levels of food loss and waste. By engaging vocational trainers and professionals in the food industry, the UglyFruitsNOT! project aims to stimulate thought processes and foundations for behavioral change. By redesigning our supply chains and promoting sustainable practices, we can reduce waste and create a more circular and resilient food system.
4. Empowering Educators: By providing vocational trainers with the knowledge and tools to address food waste and consumerism in their training programs, the UglyFruitsNOT! project is empowering educators to make a tangible difference in their communities. Through the development of curriculum materials, digital interactive stories, and e-learning platforms, educators will have the resources they need to inspire change and shape the future of sustainable consumption.

With its innovative approach and collaborative partnerships, the UglyFruitsNOT! project is leading the way towards a world where „ugly“ fruits and vegetables are celebrated, not wasted. Together, let’s embrace sustainability and work towards a future where every bite counts. 🍎🥦 #UglyFruitsNOT #Sustainability #ReduceFoodWaste

🌱 Environmental Impact: When food ends up in landfills, it decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The resources used to produce that wasted food—water, land, energy—are squandered, further degrading our environment.

💰 Economic Losses: Food waste isn’t just a drain on our plates; it’s a hit to our wallets. From farmers to retailers to consumers, wasted food means lost revenue and wasted resources. By reducing waste, we can save money and build a more efficient economy.

🤝 Social Equity: While food is wasted, millions go hungry. Food waste exacerbates food insecurity and perpetuates inequalities. By redistributing surplus food and minimizing waste, we can work towards a more equitable society where everyone has access to nutritious food.

👩‍🌾 Ethical Responsibility: As caretakers of our planet, we have a duty to minimize our environmental impact and ensure a sustainable future. By wasting food, we disregard the hard work of farmers and producers. Let’s embrace sustainability and make conscious choices to reduce waste.

Together, we can make a difference! 🌟 Join us in the fight against food waste. Let’s protect the planet, support our communities, and build a brighter future for all. 💪 #ReduceFoodWaste #Sustainability #UglyFruitsNOT

In a world where sustainability matters more than ever, UglyFruitsNOT! is on a mission to reduce fruit and vegetable waste. 🌍 Our ERASMUS+ project focuses on training vocational trainers to educate consumers on the importance of sustainable production and consumption.

Did you know that nearly one third of edible fruit and vegetables worldwide are wasted each year? 😱 That’s why initiatives like ours are crucial in promoting awareness and behavior change.

Throughout the project, we’ll be providing newsletters packed with insights and updates on our progress. 💡 Plus, all deliverables can be found on our page, so you can stay engaged and informed every step of the way!

Join us in making a difference. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of every fruit and vegetable, regardless of appearance. 🌟 #UglyFruitsNOT #Sustainability #ReduceFoodWaste

We are happy to provide you with information and insight into the project Ugly Fruits NOT !
If you like to discuss with us about consumption and food waste you are happly welcome.
Have a closer look at all our works.
Ugly Fruits NOT ! is a European project in the field of VET – voctional education and training
and aims to design educational resources and courses concerning the topic of sustainability, consumtion and Ugly fruits and vegetables to raise awareness for the topics.
The project is supported and financed by the ERASMUS+ programme.

Currently, the website is under construction.
But, it will be finished soon and after that there will be regular updates.

Kind regards,

The German Ugly Fruits NOT! team