FFSA Italy: Sustainable Farming & Food Systems is a 10-day immersive experience that takes students from the bustling streets of Rome to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the cultural heart of Florence. Through hands-on experiences in regenerative farming, urban agriculture, and culinary transformation, students explore the interconnected systems that feed our planet—and our future.
From composting and seed-saving to cooking workshops and zero-waste innovations, this program is a deep dive into the science, history, and sustainability of food. Along the way, students work in teams on a sustainability challenge project that connects global learning with real-world solutions they can bring back home.
Italy offers more than just great food—it's a living laboratory of tradition, resilience, and innovation in agriculture. Students experience the full farm-to-fork journey, guided by local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and environmental educators. By engaging with everything from ancient Roman food systems to cutting-edge regenerative practices, students gain a deeper understanding of climate resilience, biodiversity, and social equity in food access.
Whether harvesting olives, exploring zero-waste markets, or mapping the journey of a school lunch, this program empowers young people to become thoughtful stewards of our planet and catalysts for change in their own communities.
Students arrive in Rome, where they will be greeted by the FFSA team and transferred to their accommodations in the heart of the city. After settling in, the group gathers for a welcome lunch and program orientation.
In the afternoon, students take part in a walking tour of ancient Roman food infrastructure, including a visit to the ruins of the Forum Boarium (ancient cattle market) and the Aventine Hill gardens, where they’ll explore how Romans designed urban systems to support agriculture and public food access.
Evening includes a group dinner at a local trattoria and a group discussion session: What can we learn about sustainability from the past?
The group begins the day with a visit to a community-run urban farm or horticultural cooperative, where students learn how modern Romans are reclaiming space for food production and ecological regeneration.
A hands-on workshop focuses on composting, aquaponics, or permaculture practices, linking urban resilience with food access. In the afternoon, students reflect through a design challenge: How could urban gardens reshape food justice in their own communities?
Evening: students explore Trastevere, with optional street food tastings and a sustainability scavenger hunt.
After breakfast, students transfer to a regenerative organic farm in the rolling countryside of Tuscany. Upon arrival, they tour the grounds, meet resident farmers, and get a firsthand look at techniques such as biodynamic farming, rotational grazing, and natural pest control.
In the afternoon, students begin their Sustainable Agriculture Project, choosing a theme (e.g., soil health, food waste, biodiversity, farm-to-school solutions).
The day ends with a group dinner and optional stargazing—an opportunity to connect deeply with place and pace.
Students dive into a soil health workshop, learning how soil microbiomes, compost systems, and no-till methods contribute to carbon capture and climate resilience.
After lunch, they join a seed saving session and get hands-on with planting, weeding, or harvesting, depending on the season.
The day includes moments of reflection and observation—sketching plant systems, journaling changes, and connecting with the rhythms of the land.
Evening is a fireside-style storytelling night with the farmers, discussing traditional knowledge, climate shifts, and global farming challenges.
Today’s focus is on food transformation. Students take part in a farm-to-table cooking class, where they learn to prepare a full Italian meal using seasonal ingredients they’ve harvested themselves.
Morning includes harvesting and preparing vegetables and herbs, while the afternoon shifts to cooking and baking techniques such as fresh pasta, focaccia, or olive oil tasting.
After the shared meal, students engage in a food systems lab led by the FFSA team: mapping supply chains, food miles, and hidden costs behind typical school lunches. Evening: light games and optional group project time.
Today’s excursion takes students to a nearby farm or organization, where they explore how Italian farmers create closed-loop systems—using agricultural byproducts as fuel, fertilizer, or feed.
Guided by sustainability experts, students learn how regenerative practices align with long-standing traditions of land stewardship.
The afternoon includes a group discussion: What makes a food system regenerative—not just sustainable?
Evening: Project group time and team dinner.
The group departs for Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance—and now a rising hub for sustainable living. Students tour the city with a focus on urban resilience, visiting projects like the Manifattura Tabacchi urban regeneration zone.
In the afternoon, students take part in an art-meets-environment workshop: designing their own campaign for sustainable food awareness using digital storytelling or poster design.
Evening includes a sunset walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, followed by a casual group dinner.
Students begin the day with a visit to a Florentine artisan or sustainable food entrepreneur—such as a cheesemaker, vertical farmer, or zero-waste grocer—learning how modern businesses integrate tradition and innovation.
They then participate in a design challenge: prototyping their own sustainable food brand or project, using what they’ve learned about packaging, sourcing, and storytelling.
Afternoon includes final planning time for their Sustainable Agriculture Showcase.
Evening: Optional small-group exploration of Florence’s neighborhoods, followed by hotel check-in and rest.
The morning is dedicated to completing and rehearsing the student-led sustainability projects. Students may present their ideas as pitches, posters, infographics, or short video reels.
The showcase takes place in a communal space or partnered educational venue, with feedback from local hosts, farmers, or educators.
In the evening, the group gathers for a farewell dinner, celebrating their journey with food, photos, and reflections on how they’ll apply their learning back home.
After breakfast, students transfer to the airport in Florence or Rome for departure.
Their experience concludes not just with memories of Italy, but with real-world tools, ideas, and a deeper connection to the systems that feed our planet.
1. Who supervises the students during the trip?
Our programs are led by experienced educators and trained facilitators who accompany the group throughout the entire trip. We maintain a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure safety, guidance, and personalized attention.
2. What kind of accommodations are provided?
Students will stay in a centrally located, secure hotel. Rooms are shared by gender, and all accommodations are supervised. The location is chosen for safety, accessibility, and proximity to major learning sites.
3. How is student safety handled during city travel and excursions?
Student safety is our top priority. We use private transport when needed and always travel in groups. Students are briefed on safety expectations and emergency procedures, and our team maintains close communication with all participants.
4. Will there be free time, and how is it managed?
Yes, students will have some structured downtime, always under supervision or within clearly communicated boundaries.
5. What meals are included?
All breakfasts, lunch and dinners are included. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice. Meals are a mix of group dining experiences and opportunities to try local cuisine.
6. What educational value does this trip offer?
This program blends meaningful learning with global citizenship, cultural awareness, innovation, and critical thinking. Students will explore how communities address real-world challenges—and they’ll apply these ideas through hands-on activities and projects that inspire new perspectives.
7. What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes a balance of expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, cultural exploration, and group collaboration. Evenings often include reflection, guest talks, or interactive challenges that reinforce learning.
8. What happens if a student gets sick or there’s an emergency?
We have detailed health and safety protocols in place, including access to local healthcare providers. Parents are contacted promptly in the event of any health concerns. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency response.
9. What is included in the program cost?
The cost typically covers accommodation, meals, activities, entrance fees, local transport, staff supervision, and educational materials. Flights and travel insurance may be arranged separately unless otherwise noted.
10. What do we pack?
We’ll provide a full packing list, travel guidelines, and pre-trip resources to help students arrive informed and ready to learn.