Spannocchia Symposium:
“Food, Landscape and Community in Tuscany and New England”
February 12-15, 2009
Day 4

The final day was devoted primarily to farm education, with dynamic presentations on WWOOF (the worldwide farm volunteering network), Spannocchia’s internship program, Italy’s University of Gastronomic Science’s masters program, and New England’s Shelburne Farms educational programming. Youth leadership held a second dominant focus of the day, with five youth participants discussing what inspired them to be involved in farming and farm education. Their contributions throughout the four days — their energy, optimism and thoughtful questions — to the success of the Symposium cannot be overstated.


Small group work on Day 4


Small group work on Day 4


Youth presentation


New England and Tuscan chefs at final dinner

Outcomes and Next Steps

By the final afternoon, energized participants were able to articulate specific steps to take in their own enterprises as a direct result of the Symposium, such as incorporating more educational opportunities at their farms, and creating a local network of ag.-based entrepreneurs to exchange business and marketing ideas on a regular basis. There was also much discussion about how those present could maintain connections with other participants. Ideas discussed included creating subgroups along interest lines and developing a system for periodic communication by phone or via the internet. Spannocchia is taking the lead on this by revamping its website to provide forums for continued discussion on a broad as well as a targeted level.


Group singing at end of Day 4

Several Core Committee members expressed an interest in reciprocating on the same topic before moving on to another topic, and we are exploring the option of having Shelburne Farms possibly host an ag.-based follow-up gathering in Vermont in 2010 before shifting to an agri-forestry topic in 2011.

At the end of the Symposium, one youth participant summed up the positive feeling of the group when she laughed and remarked, “I feel like I’m back in summer camp, having made new best friends, and wanting to write to everyone every week!” By the end of the Symposium, wanting to maintain connections with one another seemed to be a sentiment shared by all.

 

Summary - Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4

Feedback from Participants

 “I too think it was a very good first start... And think important ‘ah-ha’ moments were had by all, and a sense that we are in good company, literally around the world in doing this work. I think for some that was a first and just that is vital to keeping the energy up and moving forward.”