Challenges in cooperation between farmers and educational institutions in Klaipeda region: the “Farm-to-school” model approach

The article analyzes the challenges of small and medium-sized farms related to the development of the "Farm-to-school" model in the Klaipėda region. The research aimed to reveal the possibilities of involving farmers from the Klaipėda region in cooperation with educational institutions to provide them with farm products/services. During the focused group discussion with representatives of small and medium-sized farms in the Klaipėda region, questions relevant to the study were discussed: Are farmers interested in production and providing services to educational institutions? How do they evaluate the public procurement system? What are the possible cooperation opportunities and obstacles, etc. The results showed that the needs and expectations for cooperation of Klaipėda region farmers, municipal employees, and educational institutions as buyers of services basically coincide. Research participants agreed that food from local growers is good, and they would like children to be fed quality food from local farms in schools. However, the results of the study assumed the insufficient literacy of small and medium-sized farmers to effectively develop cooperation with educational institutions. Therefore, the article aims to raise awareness among representatives of small and medium-sized farms and all interested groups about the "Farm-to-school" model, which could have an impact on better involving farmers and strengthening the connection between local farming communities and educational institutions.