The Practical School of Agroecology
Experiential training for a new concept of agriculture, rooted in local areas and communities.
A school born from the territory
The Valdibella Practical School of Agroecology was founded in 2021 by the Valdibella Agricultural Cooperative in Camporeale (PA), in the heart of western Sicily. It operates in a highly valuable agricultural context, yet one marked by desertification, with the aim of experimenting with and disseminating sustainable agroecological models. The School is a living laboratory, in constant dialogue between farmers, researchers, technicians, and activists.
Who is the School for
The School is aimed at:
- Farmers and peasants, current or future
- Male and female students
- Technicians and operators in the agri-food sector
- Citizens interested in food, land, and environmental justice issues
It is designed for those who want to understand, plan, and practice a healthy and just agricultural future.
Free online meeting
Discover the 2026 Agroecology Path
The Path to Agroecology 2026
The program provides analytical, design, and practical skills to support farms and supply chains in the agroecological transition. The approach integrates theory, practice, and territorial immersion, with fieldwork, participatory planning, and exchange of experiences.
9 meetings
throughout the year
2 days each
(Saturday and Sunday)
Module 1
Principles, Design, and Transition from Agricultural to Agroecological
Principles, Design, and Transition from Agricultural to Agroecological
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026
The first module of the Agroecology program introduces the theoretical and historical foundations of agroecology, offering an overview of the concept’s evolution and its implications for the design and management of agroecosystems. Starting with a study of the farm landscape and the cooperative context, the module provides an overview of the tools needed to understand the farm as a complex agroecosystem, understand the fundamental ecological and social interactions that determine its functionality and resilience, and begin to envision conversion processes toward coherent and site-specific agroecological practices. An introduction to the main agroecology policies—in Sicily and internationally—is also provided, providing an overview of the opportunities, constraints, and current trajectories for transforming agricultural systems. Finally, the module also includes a presentation of the locations, host organizations, and the entire program of the Agroecology 2026 program.
Module 2
Biodiversity as a Fundamental Ally of the Agroecological Farm
Biodiversity as a Fundamental Ally of the Agroecological Farm
Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2026
The second module of the agroecology program explores the essential role of biodiversity in the functioning of ecosystems and agroecosystems, highlighting how it represents the basis of climate resilience and agricultural productivity. Participants will delve into the definitions and dimensions of biodiversity and fundamental ecosystem cycles. They will also analyze ecosystem services beneficial to humans, their connection to agricultural incentives, and the concept of One Health , which integrates ecosystem health with human health. The applied part will focus on agrobiodiversity and agro-silvo-pastoral systems, demonstrating the economic benefits of biodiversity and practical ways to integrate it on the farm. Practical examples will include flowering hedges, biolakes, food forests, wooded pastures, ecological corridors, and the use of ancient or native varieties. The course combines theory, hands-on exercises, landscape analysis, and field trips.
Module 3
Healthy Soil as the Foundation of Agriculture
Healthy Soil as the Foundation of Agriculture
Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026
The third module of the agroecology program explores the central role of fertile soil as the foundation of the agricultural enterprise. Participants will explore the importance and functions of healthy soil, with a focus on soil biology and the work of microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Key topics such as erosion, mineral cycling, microbial succession, organic matter, and the impacts of climate change will be addressed, with a focus on carbon storage and carbon credits. Participants will also receive an overview of modern regenerative practices and technologies for reducing soil disturbance and improving its functionality. Part of the course will focus on simple indicators for recognizing healthy soil and how to interpret laboratory data, with a focus on regulations and the different types of services available. The practical part will include reading soil profiles, participatory soil definition exercises, and visual demonstrations that help understand soil structure and quality. The course combines lectures, participatory activities, and practical examples, providing immediately applicable operational skills.
Module 4
Optimal Water Management through the Agroecological Key
Optimal Water Management through the Agroecological Key
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026
The fourth module of the agroecology program offers a systemic view of water, exploring its central role in agricultural ecosystems. Participants will explore the main issues related to water resources, the global water cycle, and its interaction with the soil, before moving on to the principles underlying virtuous management. Mapping and cartographic analysis tools using GIS will also be presented, along with an overview of the various management techniques currently available. The applied part of the course will guide participants in the practical use of the tools, in interpreting the landscape, and in comparing maps, territory, and vegetation. A design activity dedicated to the farm’s land will also be included, serving as an operational guide.
Module 5
Animals as Powerful Contributors to the Agroecological Farm
Animals as Powerful Contributors to the Agroecological Farm
Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st, 2026
The fifth module of the agroecology program offers a comprehensive overview of the role of animals within the agroecosystem, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects. Participants will explore the dynamics of over- and undergrazing, understanding why the key factor is not the number of animals but the length of time they spend on pasture. The needs of different species, their relationship with vegetation, and the
The basics of grazing systems, from historical to modern models, including animal welfare and current regulations. Participants will be introduced to rational/holistic grazing planning and will also address wildlife management through case studies and testimonials. The practical part will teach them how to assess forage quantity and quality, recognize useful indicators for herd movement, and understand the mobile infrastructure available today.
basi dei sistemi di pascolamento, dai modelli storici a quelli moderni, includendo anche i temi del benessere animale e delle normative vigenti. I partecipanti saranno introdotti alla pianificazione del pascolamento razionale/olistico e affronteranno anche la gestione della fauna selvatica attraverso casi studio e testimonianze. La parte pratica permetterà di imparare a leggere quantità e qualità del foraggio, riconoscere gli indicatori utili allo spostamento della mandria e conoscere le infrastrutture mobili oggi disponibili.
Module 6
Markets, Supply Chains, and Communities for Agroecology
Markets, Supply Chains, and Communities for Agroecology
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
The sixth module of the agroecology program explores the main forms of marketing, cooperation, and certification that characterize sustainability-oriented agri-food systems. The goal is to provide participants with tools to understand how product valorization practices, building cooperative supply chain relationships, and connecting with local communities contribute to farm sustainability and food sovereignty. The program also addresses key aspects of financial planning and risk management within the farm, integrating the theme of corporate multifunctionality as a strategic lever for diversifying, stabilizing, and innovating production and marketing models from an agroecological perspective. The course will present organizations engaged in building sustainable agri-food economies, with a particular focus on certification and marketing systems, as well as farms operating in short supply chains and local models. The course offers a concrete perspective on cooperation practices, market strategies, and the ways in which businesses and communities can co-produce value within agroecology.
Module 7
Agroecology, Politics and Policies
Agroecology, Politics and Policies
Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026.
The seventh module of the agroecology program analyzes the relationship between agroecological systems and the political-institutional framework, with the aim of providing farmers, technicians, and practitioners with tools to navigate food, soil, supply chain, seed, and family farming policies. The program explores, from a practical perspective, how tools such as the CAP, the RDPs, and subsidy or investment policies can support—or sometimes limit—agroecological transition, start-up, or business reorganization processes. Particular attention is paid to the changes underway at the European level and the emerging trends redefining the relationship between agricultural governance, sustainability, and regenerative production models.
The course will present concrete cases of local food policies, seed regulations, supply chain tools, and initiatives to support family farming, along with the role of trade unions and trade organizations in promoting rights, visibility, and support for agroecological systems. The course will also include reflection on collective political practices and grassroots movements that contribute to building more equitable, resilient, and food sovereignty-oriented agri-food systems.
Module 8
Complexity as a Strength of the Agroecological Company
Complexity as a Strength of the Agroecological Company
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2026
The eighth module of the agroecology program aims to provide participants with a solid understanding of the principles of the systems approach applied to agricultural and agri-food contexts. The goal is to develop the ability to read and define a system, whether agricultural or agri-food, in its human and natural elements, understand risk dynamics and forecasting processes, and recognize the role of monitoring cycles in decision-making processes. The program also introduces data collection and monitoring methods, fostering the development of a contextual approach to assessing business and supply chain dynamics. Particular attention will be paid to systemic facilitation tools and decision-making tools, useful both in business management and in collaborative work within groups and networks.
Module 9
Agroecological Farm Planning
Agroecological Farm Planning
Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026
The ninth and final module of the agroecology program offers participants the opportunity to explore and apply the fundamental principles of agroecological design. The course covers the essential phases of business analysis, from site observation to evaluation of existing elements, the landscape context, and existing policies and laws. It also includes interviewing the client to define needs, critical issues, and objectives. Using a systemic design approach, areas, sectors, and connections will be explored, leading to the creation of an initial draft of the farm’s design, complete with maps, functions, and relationships between its components. Particular attention will be paid to the harmonious integration of agricultural production, livestock farming, and the management of natural spaces, along with aspects of economic sustainability and the dynamics of human relationships, both within the farm and in the surrounding landscape. The course will be conducted as a group exercise, allowing participants to experience the design process in a practical and collaborative manner, developing concrete and immediately applicable skills.
Il comitato tecnico-scientifico
Alba Baccarella
Naturalist
Esperienza in conservazione della natura ed educazione ambientale
Rafael Bueno
PhD
Ecologo di campo, con esperienze in agroecologia, ripristino degli ecosistemi, valutazione e conservazione della biodiversità e politiche ambientali in ambienti Mediterranei e tropicali
Eleonora Chiri
PhD
Ecologa microbica esperta di ecosistemi terrestri, formatrice e consulente per la salute del suolo, con esperienza in approcci sistemici e formata in gestione olistica/holistic management
Danilo Colomela
Environmental engineer
esperienza in progettazione in permacultura, cartografia e gestione delle acque
Carlotta Ebbreo
PhD
Sociologa dell’ambiente e del territorio, con esperienza in sviluppo locale, facilitazione di organizzazioni e reti, percorsi di formazione e ricerca in ambito agroecologico
Linda Koch
PhD
Dottoranda nel campo della ricerca sulla sostenibilità nelle scienze sociali, con un focus sulle conoscenze agroecologiche e con esperienza in educazione ambientale
Philipp Nauer
PhD
Biogeochimico del suolo, formatore e consulente per la salute del suolo ed educatore accreditato dall’Istituto Savory, con solida formazione ed esperienza in agricoltura rigenerativa, compostaggio e gestione olistica/holistic management
Massimiliano Solano
President Valdibella
Agricoltore, agronomo e presidente della Cooperativa Agricola Valdibella
Salvatore Zuppardo
Agronomist
Agronomo della Cooperativa Agricola Valdibella
Agroecology News
News, reflections, and stories from cooperative life
