Action plan 2013-2017 – "In to the farm"

The present Action Plan follows up on the National Strategy "In to the farm", dealing with care farming. It has been developed by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and establishes goals for future work, concretises measures, and prioritises service areas. The Action Plan contains the following Chapters: 1. Summary; 2. Background; 3. Political and legal framework; 4. Status of "In to the farm"; 5. Selected service actors; 6. Measures; 7. Economic and administrative consequences; 8. References.
The measures included in the Action Plan shall contribute to the overall development of the ITF services and to the development of specific prioritised sectors. All measures shall be implemented by the end of 2017. The measures contemplated by the Plan are: (1) Concept development; (2) Communication and information; (3) Coordination and cooperation; (4) Competence, education, and research; (5) Approval and quality assurance.
Concept development (1) involves the elaboration and further development of guidance material. This material shall lay the foundation for the development of services in the prioritised areas. In addition, an external evaluation of In to the Farm shall be carried out by the end of 2015. The results shall contribute to the development of information material further.
Communication and information measures (2) require the elaboration of a communication strategy for ITF by the first half of 2014. The communication strategy shall be developed by the ITF- subject group of Matmerk, an independent institution that contributes to more diversity, better quality and added value in Norwegian food production. Other actors should be included if necessary. Matmerk and the County Governor shall also hold a permanent national conference where ITF experiences are shared.
Coordination and cooperation measures (3) mandates the establishment of an ITF national cooperation forum. The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food shall lead this forum. An ITF forum for ministries shall also be established. This forum shall include the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Health and Care Services, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Ministry of Labour. Additionally, all County Governors shall elaborate ITF action plans by 2015.
Competence, education, and research measures (4) require that, during the Action Plan period, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development assess the need and possibility for better coordination between various actors conducting research, carrying out education activities or having experience offering ITF services. The assessment shall be made in dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Research and other key players. Moreover, as a contribution to strengthening international research and collaboration, the ITF Nordic research network shall be supported.