What are agricultural test sites?

An agricultural test site is generally defined as a programme designed to facilitate the gradual process of integrating new entrants into the agricultural sector, coordinated through a structured governance framework agreed upon by all stakeholders. The agricultural test site is structured around legal, physical and comprehensive support, which ensure that the test activity can be carried out by the test participant. In terms of physical support, the agricultural test site provides an agricultural, livestock or forestry holding, which includes the land, facilities, equipment, machinery and everything necessary to carry out the activity test. Each holding has a specific productive purpose, for which an assessment is carried out to ensure minimum agronomic requirements are met. Legal support means that the test participant, or entrepreneur, has their employment and tax liabilities covered; in some cases, the agricultural test site may also guarantee ownership of the farm. The relationship between the agricultural test site and the entrepreneur is also regulated and can be established in various ways depending on the specific test site. Comprehensive support includes the process of accompanying the entrepreneur from a technical, business and personal perspective, as well as specialised training and agronomic advice. Agricultural test sites usually involve the roles of tutor, mentor and specialist advisers.