Agricultural Civil Service - new Italian initiative
"The Agricultural Civil Service becomes a reality and represents a new and fascinating opportunity for young people. In October the Notice for the planning dedicated to 'Universal Civil Service Bodies' will be published". The announcement came from the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, in conjunction with the G7 Agriculture which took place at the end of September in the splendid setting of Ortigia in Syracuse.
Memorandum of understanding by two Ministries
The Agricultural Civil Service, the result of a memorandum of understanding signed last November by Minister Abodi and the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests Lollobrigida, provides for an initial experimentation for 1,000 young people aged 18 to 28, with an initial investment of approximately 7 million euros made available by the two Ministries, and is added to other projects launched in recent years in the digital and environmental fields.
Bringing young people closer to a strategic sector while promoting sustainability and innovation
"The Agricultural Civil Service represents a unique opportunity to bring young people closer to a strategic sector such as agriculture, while promoting sustainability and innovation. Through this project, we intend to enhance the talent and skills of young people, offering them the opportunity to contribute concretely to the growth of our rural communities. This initiative, in addition to promoting social inclusion, will be able to develop new professional skills in the agricultural sector and strengthen the bond between young people and the territory. We are proud to support an initiative that combines civic commitment and economic development", declared the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests.
Investment in the skills of young people and their future-present
"The Universal Civil Service - says Minister Abodi - is an investment in the skills of young people and their future-present, which is further qualified thanks to the 15% reserve of places in public competitions, which we have established by law, dedicated to those who have had this experience. Through this new opportunity, which will also contribute to strengthening the relationship of trust between young people and the Institutions, girls and boys between 18 and 28 years old will be able to get involved in innovative forms of service and commitment in a strategic sector for Italy, such as agriculture".
Presenting projects ranging in various areas of agriculture and rural realities
Universal Civil Service entities, starting from October 2, 2024 with deadline November 28, 2024, will be able to present their projects ranging in various areas of agriculture and rural realities, providing, for example, assistance and therapeutic activities aimed at people with disabilities or other vulnerable subjects, offering services, including educational or recreational services, for children or young people, or implementing initiatives to learn about, promote and protect agricultural and food products made in Italy, up to the knowledge and promotion of correct dietary lifestyles, also to prevent and combat disorders related to nutrition or to reduce food waste and enhance the circular economy. It will also be possible to implement initiatives to promote and develop rural coworking, environmental and food education, to protect animal biodiversity and the territory (in particular forestry), enhancing agricultural resources and recognizing the multifunctional role played by agricultural businesses, in particular youth ones.