Italy: XFARM Agricoltura prossima

About the local hosting organization

XFARM Agricoltura prossima is a project by Cooperativa Sociale Qualcosa di Diverso, born after the experience of Laboratorio Urbano ExFadda in San Vito dei Normanni: a social, ecological and multicultural farm created from the recovery of lands confiscated from the mafia in Apulia. We are a group of young people under 35 committed to transforming 50 hectares of lands, once a symbol of illegality and unsustainable agriculture, into a “Manifesto Farm” of good social, ecological, and cultural practices. We’ve been creating an original rural hub capable of contributing to the local development of the Alto Salento area, through the creation of jobs, wellbeing for the community and ecosystem improvement. We believe in the territory of Puglia and in its resources, too often unexpressed and squandered. We look at XFARM and its lands as a common good, a big public park opened to the community of the territory. We want to put into action a new vision of social and regenerative agriculture, alternative to the intensive and unsustainable models. We promote the regeneration of soil and the recovery of biodiversity, we foster circular economy practices, job integration of fragile workers and the production of good quality and healthy food, we organize social and cultural events for the local community, we support the scientific research and agricultural projects of young people of our territory.

Presentation of the programme

The volunteering activity will deal with the transformation (already underway) of a farm confiscated from the mafia, symbol of illegality and environmental unsustainability, into a “manifesto” farm of good practices in the agronomic, ecological, social and cultural fields. The main responsibility of the volunteers will be that of providing support to the agricultural activities within the farm, notably: management of the vegetable crops and community garden, the olive groves, the vineyard and the henhouse. Additional activities will be: - support to the activities of planting, management and experimentation related to the project “XFARM Agroforestry” aimed at increasing biodiversity and regenerating the soil; - support to the designing and organization of Manifesto SuperCamp, a week-long festival focused on agro-ecology related training and workshops, seminars, research, events and camping in the nature. Associazione InCo-Molfetta APS Piazza Municipio snc – angolo via Morte, 70056 Molfetta (BA) tel. +39 3286762929, email: [email protected] www.incoweb.org - support to the organization of public events, seminars, workshops, training lessons open to the local community and the company’s partners; - support to the organization of social activities aimed at raising awareness on agro-ecological issues, those referred to the social fight against the mafia and local development.

About the accomodation

As a volunteer, you will live in a flat together with other volunteers, in the city of San Vito dei Normanni close to the hosting organization. The accommodation will be provided in double room with a shared bathroom and kitchen. The internet connection within the flat is not guaranteed, however it’s always possible to use that of the hosting organization’s office. The lodging choice will be always decided by InCo and it is not possible for you to choose your own accommodation.

About the food

You will receive an extra pocket money of 150 euros for buying food. In this way you are free to cook in your fully equipped flat.

About the location

The project will take place in San Vito dei Normanni, a city of around 20.000 inhabitants in the heart of Apulia. It’s located at about 20 km from Brindisi, 14 km from Ostuni, about 12 km (16 minutes) from the wonderful marine natural reserve of Torre Guaceto, and 40 km from Lecce. From Brindisi it’s easy to reach the major touristic areas and urban centres in the region by public transportation. (train, bus, plane). During summer the city is bustling with people enjoying cultural events and other social activities organized by the local community.

Requirements

Interested in the project’s activities; • open-minded and curious; • with a strong personality and interest in issues such as integration, legality and ecology; • motivated; • proactive, sociable and creative; • 18-30 years old; • knowledge of English or Italian; • with a good ability to work in a team; • from European countries.