Vazapp: the first rural hub for networking young farmers

An agriculture that isn't just hard work, but also a dream, a community, and a shared experience. This is the formula on which it is based. Vazapp', The first rural hub founded in Foggia in 2014 by Don Michele De Paolis and Giuseppe Savino, who together shared the dream With these words: "We see a possible future for our land. We see young people who no longer pack their bags, but prepare beds to welcome friends from all over the world. We believe this future already lives in our present, and in the hearts of many people who love Puglia".

The idea was born from the desire to giving a future to the land and to young farmers, engaging them in a context of beauty and community, bringing together videomakers, photographers, architects, and engineers. Vàzapp' is based on the short supply chain, aiming to enhance the knowledge of young farmers, making them aware that sharing, innovation, and collaboration are the fundamental pillars for creating a better future.

To develop this project, numerous formats have been devised. First of all, the "contadinners", itinerant dinners to bring together young farmers and facilitate sharing and knowledge among the latterThe dinners' formula is 20 20 20, meaning: 20 dinners, 20 farms, 20 young farmers. This gives agricultural professionals the opportunity to meet and share their experiences, listening to one another, and then creating joint projects. During the dinner, a questionnaire is distributed to all participants; it allows for data collection on farmers' motivations, opportunities and threats, and perceptions of markets and policies. The University of Foggia is responsible for processing this data. The idea of ​​meeting at the farms stems from the fact that, according to Giuseppe Savino, farmers we need to talk in the countryside, in the stables, in the evening. During the farmers' gatherings, a new concept was born: "the true kilometer”, which allows consumers to know who produces the products before tasting them.

Another format of Vàzapp' is the “Pacifier Day", an informational/educational day in the vineyards. #ciucciottoday aims to develop an agriculture that respects the surrounding environment and the health of consumers and operators, through the sustainable use of "agrochemicals."

Vàzapp' also promotes #fuoridallacassetta: the first Italian motivational format for young farmers, where they meet, listen, and share their stories. The life of those who choose to become farmers is often not easy, requiring hard work and effort. But by meeting those who don't regret this choice, despite adversity, and by listening to the stories of farmers, winemakers, and university researchers, one feels stronger and less alone. And one senses that change is not only possible, but already underway.

Added to these formats is the “MeloDayA morning dedicated to pomegranates, tasting them, and learning about their beneficial properties. A pomegranate expert and a nutritionist will participate. Participants can then take home their own harvest or adopt a pomegranate tree and enjoy its fruit. An excellent way to promote local production and spread agricultural culture.

Vàzapp' also developed the project “grain amphitheater”: the creation of an amphitheater built by young farmers, in collaboration with architects and volunteers, starting from hay bales. A space designed to host dinners, meetings, theatrical performances, and concerts.

The cover photo is taken from the Facebook page of Vazapp

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