Workcamp Details

Description: CSA Seeds of Community is a great innovation for the Roman agricultural environment and for all of central Italy, in fact we are the first agricultural reality not to sell vegetables! We self-produce the food in our large garden, deciding together what, how and how much to plant. We are driven by values of solidarity, inclusion, knowledge sharing and respect for nature and human beings. The participation of members in agricultural activities in the fields is among the fundamental practices of our project. Through our efforts, we are demonstrating that another way of practicing 'organic farming, which does not exploit the labor of farmworkers, local (no supply chain) and environmentally friendly, is possible. It is a small but significant step toward food sovereignty for local communities.

Type of Work: Among the main activities:

• Transplanting and sowing seedlings.
• Weeding weeds from the rows by hand and with light tools.
• Harvesting vegetables and helping with preparation and division.
• Peeling and tying tomatoes.
• Mount fields with irrigation hoses.
• Manually control insect pests.
• If the weather permits, eco-construction activities such as plastering a thatched structure with lime or extraordinary maintenance activities are also scheduled during the work camp week. All activities will be carried out alongside the various cooperative members who participate weekly, in a spirit of sharing and exchanging knowledge, conviviality and cheerfulness.

Study Theme: The study part will take place not only through formal moments in which the partner will present the theme of the food sovereignty of a community of solidarity, but also through continuous informal chats during the activities, in which the participants will be constantly solicited by the members of the CSA to reflect about what they are doing. The focus will be on the two themes (1) food sovereignty of an inclusive community, (2) while respecting the environment, through the production of healthy food, using agro-ecological production techniques that enrich biodiversity on the fields.

Accommodation: Lodging will be in tents. Volunteers are asked to each bring their own tent, max size 2 people, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, comfortable shoes and clothing, sunscreen, hat and a towel. The dedicated space for tents is at the edge of the woods, well protected from the heat of the day and dedicated to volunteers. For afternoon rest, we have a hammock area under the pear trees.

Requirements: Lots of desire to get involved and learn. Desire to chat and share experiences. Desire to put in some physical effort: work in the fields can be tiring, but here everyone goes at their own pace and takes the breaks they need! We ask volunteers to specify in advance any allergies or specific dietary needs.

Approximate Location: The camp will take place Via Prato della Corte at the North of Rome. Closest Train Station: Labaro. There are 3 solar showers, handcrafted. It is important to use only biodegradable and eco-friendly soaps. There is a Compost Toilet shared with the rest of the members. In a separate area there is also a gas kitchen with a pantry and eating area, a washing machine, as well as a clay oven where dough can be prepared. Activities and life in CSA is entirely outdoors, away from city chaos and technology. A vegetarian-type diet is planned, based on products from our camps.

Notes: 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 small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects and administration costs and is to be paid on arrival at the project or online directly to the hosting branch. For volunteers coming through SCI Branches and Groups there is no additional incoming fee, since the costs covered by the additional fee are included in the amount paid to the sending branch.

Camp Photographs