The rEdESIGN consortium (Project No. 101169928) travelled to Palermo and Bagheria on 30–31 October not only to coordinate project milestones but, more importantly, to deepen its understanding of how rural areas can become engines of social innovation. The visit placed a spotlight on social farming, rural welfare models, and the social economy, offering valuable insights into how agriculture and local development policies can support inclusion, employment, and community resilience.
Social Farming as a Driver of Social Inclusion
During presentations and the interactive workshop with Italian Local Action Groups (GALs), partners explored concrete examples of farm-based social inclusion, including employment pathways for vulnerable groups, therapeutic and educational rural activities, and community-supported agriculture aimed at improving wellbeing and social cohesion. This exchange helped underline how agricultural spaces can serve as platforms for training, personal development, and social care — far beyond food production alone. The focus on competencies, partnerships, and public–private cooperation highlighted the need for new professional skills and governance models to sustain these initiatives.
Connecting with Local Leaders and Rural Social Economy Networks
On the second day, the consortium continued its knowledge-exchange agenda with a visit to GAL Metropoli Est offices in Bagheria, where partners met with:
Salvatore Tosi (GAL Metropoli Est)
Salvatore Cacciola (President of the Sicilian Network of Social Farms)
Daniele Amorosino (Director of the Palermo Province of the Confederation of Cooperatives)
- Rossella Buffa (Pedagogist and Social Worker)
These discussions offered deep insights into how Sicilian social farms and cooperatives operate as pillars of the local welfare system — creating employment opportunities, strengthening community services, and providing inclusive support for vulnerable populations. The exchange also shed light on regional governance structures, cooperative networks, and long-term strategies that sustain social agriculture and rural innovation in Sicily.
Learning from Territorial Best Practices
The visit concluded at the archaeological site of Solunto, where partners experienced how cultural heritage, landscape stewardship, and social innovation can combine to support inclusive tourism, environmental education, and community-based development. This hands-on learning reinforced the idea that rural territories can act as catalysts for social, cultural, and economic regeneration when local actors collaborate and creativity is rooted in local identity and resources.
Shared Insights and Impact
The two-day meeting strengthened the rEdESIGN network and provided practical lessons on:
Integrating agriculture with community welfare services
Empowering rural areas through cooperative and social-economy structures
Leveraging cultural heritage for inclusive local development
Building skills and governance systems for sustainable rural innovation
By exchanging experiences with Sicilian partners and observing real-world models, rEdESIGN partners returned with concrete knowledge and strategies to enrich project actions, training content, and policy recommendations — continuing the mission to promote inclusive, resilient, and socially-driven rural development across Europe.
