EIT Food and SkyHive Launch G4F Skills Platform to Future-Proof the Agri-Food Workforce
In a major step toward transforming Europe’s agri-food sector, EIT Food , in partnership with SkyHive by Cornerstone and a consortium of leading partners from the EU-funded GEEK4Food project , has officially launched the G4F Skills Platform —an AI-powered digital tool designed to bridge critical skills gaps and drive innovation and sustainability across the food industry.
The platform, now live and accessible to users across Europe, aims to connect learners, workers, employers, educators, and soon policymakers, offering tailored tools and real-time insights to help them navigate the rapidly evolving labor landscape of the agri-food system.
Empowering Career Development Through AI
At the heart of the G4F Skills Platform is cutting-edge technology from SkyHive by Cornerstone , which delivers a dynamic, AI-driven experience. The platform enables individuals at every stage of their careers—whether upskilling, reskilling, or transitioning into new roles—to track and develop their competencies, identify skill gaps, and uncover personalized learning paths and career opportunities.
“Leveraging SkyHive by Cornerstone’s technology will allow individuals, employers, educators, and policymakers to identify gaps, close these gaps with the necessary training, and make critical talent projection decisions to meet the needs of the sector,” said Mohan Reddy, VP of Engineering at SkyHive by Cornerstone .
As automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven agriculture reshape how food is produced, the demand for sustainability expertise—from environmental management to regenerative farming—is growing rapidly. At the same time, younger generations are seeking more flexible, multi-disciplinary roles that align with their values and interests.
A Shift Toward a Skills-Based Labor Market
This transformation marks a significant shift from traditional, role-based employment models to a skills-based labor market , where specific competencies take precedence over job titles. For employers, this means identifying the exact skills required for emerging roles in food systems and matching them with the right talent. For educational institutions, it calls for a rethinking of curricula and training programs to ensure students graduate with the skills most needed by the industry.
Policymakers, too, will benefit from the platform’s capabilities. Soon, they will be able to access real-time data on labor market trends and skills demand in the agri-food sector—enabling them to craft evidence-based policies that support workforce development and long-term sustainability.
“The G4F Skills Platform facilitates this transition by offering tools that help stakeholders understand the skills landscape, allowing them to align talent development, educational offerings, and policies with the evolving needs of the sector,” said Maarten van der Kamp, Director of Education at EIT Food .
Addressing Global Challenges Through Skills Development
The agri-food system currently stands at a crossroads, facing mounting pressure from climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. These challenges demand urgent action from both public and private sectors—and one of the most effective levers for change is investing in human capital.
“Addressing the skills gap and reskilling the workforce is paramount,” van der Kamp emphasized. “We must leverage technological innovations to equip learners with the skills needed for real transformation toward more sustainable models.”
The G4F Skills Platform offers flexibility and a wealth of training opportunities to support the educational progression of professionals, students, and educators alike, while enhancing the value of each individual’s skills portfolio.
About the GEEK4Food Project
The G4F Skills Platform is a flagship initiative under the GEEK4Food project , co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme . The project brings together a diverse consortium of universities, consultancy firms—including those specializing in futures literacy—AI-driven workforce development companies like SkyHive, and innovation-focused organizations dedicated to transforming the food system.
All partners share a common belief: that specialized, skills-oriented education is essential to creating a more sustainable and innovative agri-food sector. The G4F Skills Platform represents a key tool in achieving that vision, combining AI technology with strategic collaboration to future-proof the workforce.
Learn more about the G4F Skills Platform:
