In Turin, the collaborative effort to design the new vegetable gardens of Cascina Falchera is continuing, making the most of different perspectives and expertise.
On March 15, about 20 students from the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Technology at the University of Turin, were accompanied by their professors (Prof. Silvana Nicola and Prof. Federica Larcher) to the pilot site. They carried out an inspection as part of their Urban and Ornamental Horticulture teaching, and were immediately set to work!
In fact, the educational objective is to formulate design proposals for the setting up of a hundred plots to be used for urban horticulture activities, according to criteria of technical feasibility, economic sustainability and social inclusion.
Their ideas will be discussed at the end of May with representatives of the City and Cascina Falchera, providing useful insights for the implementation of horticulture activities at the site, as part of Cofarm4cities.
The proposals, starting from an analysis of the environmental context and identification of needs and opportunities, will focus on the composition of the plots, the arrangement of common spaces for different services (such as composting and social activities). More importantly, they will include guidelines for proper and sustainable land management (from the choice of vegetable species, to localised irrigation, to practices for maintaining soil fertility, etc), taking into account the expected profile of users and stakeholders involved.
This activity follows the workshop with local experts that took place on February 23. On that occasion, advice and perspectives on technical and management aspects were collected from a mixed group of associations and experts dealing with urban agriculture and social activities in different capacities.
In May, a series of public events will be organised at Cascina Falchera, as a way to raise awareness on the importance of urban agricultural practices for social and educational purposes through recreational and active education. Biodiversity and sustainable, balanced food consumption will be at the core of the upcoming public activities.
The ongoing calendar of activities is accompanying the implementation of the new vegetable gardens at Cascina Falchera, stimulating interest and promoting the opportunity to get involved in urban agriculture.
In late May, a first opening event will be held to present the new vegetable gardens and their contribution to the urban farming model of Cascina Falchera.