In the heart of Abruzzo, a new School for Shepherds is coming to life, the result of collaboration between D.R.E.Am. Italia and Slow Food Italia. The initiative is part of the cultural, social and economic regeneration pilot project “Rocca Calascio – Luce d’Abruzzo”, promoted by the Municipality of Calascio and funded under the PNRR (Line A, M1.C3 – Investment 2.1 “Attractiveness of villages”) with resources from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
A project for the future of sheep farming
The School was established with the aim of offering targeted training courses to support extensive sheep farming, a sustainable development model capable of responding concretely to the challenges of the climate crisis, countering the abandonment of inland areas and generating new local economies. The courses are designed for existing farms, aspiring shepherds, but also for professionals and technicians in the sector.
Training combining traditional knowledge and modern skills
The teaching activities will address key issues such as:
- pasture management and biodiversity conservation;
- predator control;
- milk, meat and wool processing;
- local marketing linked to sheep and goat farming.
The training course will combine theoretical lessons and practical activities in the field, enhancing traditional pastoral knowledge and integrating it with the most up-to-date skills. The activities will take place directly in Calascio, in collaboration with local livestock farms, and will include practical workshops, public events and opportunities for discussion with the community.
Already leader of the European project LIFE ShepForBio, D.R.E.Am. Italia has been promoting sheep farming for years as a fundamental tool for landscape and biodiversity conservation.
Find out more HERE for all the details about the courses and how to participate.