In the frame of the BOND project – a project which aims to reach higher levels of organization and networking, and develop a healthier, and more productive and harmonious farming sector in Europe for the long term, a series of study tours to visit collective food and farming projects in six European countries (Netherlands, Norway, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK) were organized.
As part of these study tours, ANRD member organizations representatives had the opportunity to attend the Italian study tour held in Italy, from 12th – 16th March 2018. During the study tour participants were presented to different cases of cooperation which sought to add value to local products. The tour visits included cooperatives, networks and federations. The focus of each tour was to examine local variants of positive collective responses to common challenges to sustainable farming, market access, and environmental sustainability. Participants were brought to three different regions, Lazio, Toscana and Emilia-Romagna, where had the chance to visit markets of local organic farmers and cooperatives producing olive oil and wine, honey, local cereals and local vegetables. Quality, organic production and care for local, rural communities were shared aspects of these initiatives.
Among most important aspects of the study tour was learning about challenges and success stories in cooperation and networking in the countries that they visit, as well as sharing their own experiences.
For more information on the study tour and the BOND project, please visit the following link https://www.bondproject.eu/about-bond/