From the ground to the table: Agroecology in a community
Description: The CSA semi di comunità is a great novelty for the Roman agricultural environment and for all of central Italy, we are the first agricultural reality that has decided not to sell vegetables! We self-produce our own food in our large vegetable garden, deciding together what, how and how much to plant. Every Wednesday we divide the entire collection equally among the members, minimizing waste and also distributing products this practice allows us to minimize any food waste. We are driven by values of solidarity, inclusion, sharing of knowledge and respect for nature and human beings. With our commitment, we are showing that another way of practising organic farming, which does not exploit the work of labourers, local (without a supply chain) and respectful of the environment is possible.
Type of Work: Normally, Roman summers are hot and not very rainy and to avoid the hottest hours the activities in the fields will be divided between the morning (7:30 – 11:00) and the afternoon (17:00 -19:00). (Sunday and Monday are scheduled as rest days). Among the main activities: Transplant and sow seedlings, weed the wild herbs, gather the vegetables and help in the preparation and division, chess and tie the tomatoes, set up the fields with irrigation hoses, manually control pests, recover seeds from crops (for reproduction), weather permitting, eco-construction activities are also scheduled during the week of the work camp, such as plastering a straw structure with lime or extraordinary maintenance activities. All the activities will be carried out alongside the various members of the cooperative
Study Theme: The food sovereignty of a supportive community, and how to respect the environment through the model of socio-economic organization of the cooperative, certainly has the merit of guaranteeing the survival of local agricultural realities that would otherwise have disappeared. It enriches biodiversity in the fields and tends over time to reintroduce an agro-forestry system. We do not believe that continuous application of fertilizers to the soil is necessary, but we do believe that, in synergy with other elements of the ecosystem, it can provide nourishment for plants.
Accommodation: The accommodation will be in a tent. Volunteers are invited to bring their own tent. The space dedicated to tents are well protected from the heat of the day and dedicated only to volunteers. There are 3 solar showers, handcrafted (use only biodegradable and environmentally friendly soaps). There is a Compost Toilet shared with the rest of the members. In a separate area there is also a gas cooker with pantry and eating area, a washing machine, as well as an earthen oven. Lunches are prepared in turn by members or volunteers, while the breakfast and dinner is managed by SCI volunteers.
Requirements: A great desire to get involved and learn. Desire to chat and share their experiences. Desire to make some physical effort: working in the fields can be tiring, but here everyone goes at their own pace and takes the breaks they need!
Approximate Location: Outside of Rome.
Notes: A vegetarian diet is provided, based on the products of our fields integrated with products from the kitchen pantry. We ask volunteers to specify any allergies or specific dietary requirements in good time. More information on: www.semidicumunità.com
Please kindly note that there is an additional incoming fee of 50 Euros for all volunteers applying through Partner organisations or Contacts of the SCI network. Check the status here: https://bit.ly/3vhBD5J. This fee covers hosting costs, insurance, a travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects and admin. costs.
Camp Photographs
