The Agricultural Civil Service is now a reality, representing an exciting new opportunity for young people. In October, the announcement for project proposals dedicated to Universal Civil Service entities will be published. This news comes from the Minister for Sports and Youth, Andrea Abodi, in conjunction with the G7 on Agriculture.

The Agricultural Civil Service, stemming from a memorandum of understanding signed last November by Minister Abodi and Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Lollobrigida, will launch a pilot program for 1,000 young people aged 18 to 28, with an initial investment of approximately 7 million euros provided by the two ministries. This initiative adds to other projects initiated in recent years focusing on digital and environmental issues.

The Agricultural Civil Service offers a unique opportunity to engage youth in a strategic sector like agriculture, while promoting sustainability and innovation. Through this project, we aim to harness the talents and skills of young people, giving them the chance to make a tangible contribution to the growth of our rural communities.

Starting from October 2, 2024, Universal Civil Service entities will be able to submit their projects until November 28, 2024, covering various areas of agriculture and rural realities. Examples of proposed activities include assistance and therapeutic services for people with disabilities or other vulnerable groups, educational or recreational services for children and youth, as well as initiatives for the knowledge, promotion, and protection of agricultural and food products from Italy. Additionally, there will be efforts to raise awareness about healthy eating habits, prevent and address eating disorders, reduce food waste, and enhance the circular economy.

There will also be opportunities to promote and develop rural coworking, environmental and nutritional education, as well as initiatives to protect animal biodiversity and the territory, particularly forests, while valuing agricultural resources and recognizing the multifunctional role of agricultural enterprises, especially those run by young people.