Educational Farms
Love for the land, the desire to live in harmony with nature, and the wish to share knowledge and traditions are the foundation of our Educational Farm project.
At Masseria San Iorio, a certified organic farm in Abruzzo (Italy), we believe that the countryside is a true school of life: a place to learn by observing, experimenting, and rediscovering the simple gestures of the past.
In our journey through organic and sustainable farming, we have rediscovered the value of ancient knowledge, passed down by local elders — custodians of crafts, recipes, games, and folk songs — and we have chosen to make it part of our educational activities.
Through workshops and experiences at the Masseria, we aim to guide children, young people, and adults in discovering land, animals, food, and biodiversity with curiosity and respect.
What we offer
We provide several spaces within the Masseria for educational and experiential activities:
the orchard with local varieties and heritage fruits
the synergistic garden and greenhouse
the composting areas and hidden pond
the wooden canopy with solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and phytoremediation systems
the on-farm food transformation kitchen (jam, preserves, juices, syrups, and liqueurs workshop
the farm animals
the spaces of the Masseria courtyard for complementary activities Corte della Masseria per attività collaterali
Our programs include educational pathways, seasonal workshops, green weeks, school camps, and thematic courses, covering topics ranging from organic farming to local folk culture, environmental education, and food transformation.
We recommend schools to experience a day on the farm as the final step of an educational journey dedicated to environment and rural life. We are happy to collaborate with teachers to provide materials and guidance for preparation.
Our experts
All activities are curated by qualified professionals — agronomists, biologists, mycologists, herpetologists, nutritionists, teachers, and environmental guides — working with competence and passion in a welcoming and collaborative environment.
Awards and requirements
Training course for Educational Farm accreditation
Sustainable Educational Farms” project (ARSSA and Italian Composting Consortium – CIC)
Registration in the regional list of Educational Farms recognized by the Abruzzo Region (08/05/2017)
Farm compliant with safety regulations (Law 626) and HACCP standards
Dedicated safety plan for schools
First aid certification
Specific insurance coverage for educational activities
Our educational experiences
The organic orchard trail
Walk among fruit trees, shrubs, and wild herbs to learn how to recognize plants, discover seasonality, and understand their properties while enjoying close contact with nature.
Strawberry season (May to October)
A journey from field to table to learn about cultivation, harvesting, and transformation processes, understanding what makes a food “organic”.
The farm animals
Close encounters with goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats to learn respect, understand their habits, and appreciate their role in rural life.
Harlequin’s Garden
Participants experience traditional organic farming practices and discover the importance of biodiversity and local varieties
The garden of aromatic plants
Discover aromatic and medicinal plants through colors and scents that awaken the senses. This path invites participants to smell, touch, and recognize herbs traditionally used in rural cooking and folk medicine. Through hands-on activities, we learn how to grow, dry, and use them naturally for daily wellbeing.
The Jam Olympics (ages 9–14)
A playful and sensory workshop to discover organic food, develop taste awareness, and learn how to critically read what we eat.
The dances of the past (6 years and over)
A journey into traditional folk songs and dances, rediscovering rural culture as a moment of sharing and fun.
Let’s compost (ages 9–14)
From theory to practice: we learn how “waste” can become a resource, creating natural fertilizer and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
The organic restaurant of typicality (secondary schools)
A field experience to understand the organic supply chain, production techniques, and the connection between agriculture, territory, and gastronomy.
Vipers and other snakes
Together with a herpetologist, we observe native snakes up close to understand their role in the ecosystem and learn correct behavior in nature.
Organizational notes
Activities take place outdoors or in the Masseria’s educational spaces and are designed for different age groups and group sizes.
Duration: minimum 4, maximum 6 hours
Minimum participants: 15 people
Age: differentiated activities for kindergarten, primary, secondary schools, and family groups
Clothing: comfortable, suitable for the season and outdoor activities (long trousers, closed shoes, hat, light waterproof jacket, water bottle)
Meals and snacks: prepared with organic ingredients from the farm or selected local producers; menus are agreed upon at booking
Recommended period: May to October
Reservation: mandatory at least one week in advance