From October 2, 2024, the first call of the Civil Agricultural Service starts, a new initiative promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests. This project, governed by a special protocol, offers young people the opportunity to actively participate in the agricultural sector, contributing to the development of rural communities and acquiring useful skills
for the future of work.
In this guide, we will examine in detail what the Civil Agricultural Service protocol provides, who can participate and how to apply.
What does the Civil Agricultural Service Protocol provide
The Civil Agricultural Service protocol governs the launch of an experimental program, which starting from October 2, 2024 will involve 1,000 young people between 18 and 28 years old in projects related to social agriculture and the support of rural communities. The objective is to promote agricultural development and peasant culture in the internal areas of the country, while offering opportunities for training and employability in the
agricultural sector.
Objectives of the Civil Agricultural Service
The protocol is based on several main objectives:
• Promote social agriculture: Offer support to rural communities, with particular attention to social agriculture projects, which integrate agricultural activities with educational and therapeutic interventions.
• Provide soft skills: Allow young people to acquire skills that promote their employability in the agricultural and agri-food sector.
• Enhance local agricultural traditions: Preserve and promote peasant culture, through the recovery of abandoned agricultural heritage and the promotion of biodiversity.
• Support experimental projects: Activate specific initiatives to respond to the needs of the territory, such as the promotion of the circular economy and the prevention of hydrogeological risks.
Civil Agricultural Service Projects
Civil Agricultural Service projects can include a wide range of practical and social activities. Among these:
• Cultivation of social gardens and promotion of local products.
• Food education and initiatives to combat food waste.
• Therapeutic support for frail people (the elderly, disabled, foreign workers) in collaboration with social farms.
• Recreational activities aimed at children and the elderly, such as nurseries and school camps.
• Protection of the territory with projects for the prevention of environmental risks and the promotion of biodiversity.
• Rural coworking to promote social agriculture projects and the recovery of abandoned agricultural areas.
Duration of the Civil Agricultural Service
The Civil Agricultural Service lasts 36 months, starting from October 2, 2024, but it is expected that the program may be renewed in the future, based on the results obtained.
Compensation for Participants
Young people who participate in the Agricultural Civil Service will receive a monthly fee of 507.30 euros, the same as for the Universal Civil Service. In some cases, it is possible to obtain reimbursement for travel expenses, especially if the project headquarters are located far from the volunteer’s residence
.
In addition to the financial compensation, participants will be able to benefit from training credits and additional scores in public competitions.
Requirements to Participate in the Civil Agricultural Service
Young people between 18 and 28 years old (29 not yet turned) can participate in the Civil Agricultural Service, whether they are:
•Citizens of Italy or a member state of the European Union.
•Holders of a regular residence permit for non-EU citizens.
It is also necessary not to have reported convictions for serious crimes, as required for the Universal Civil Service.
How to Apply for the Civil Agricultural Service
To participate in the Civil Agricultural Service, interested young people must wait for the opening of the call, scheduled for October 2, 2024. The application can be submitted through the online portal of the Universal Civil Service, accessible through SPID credentials
.
The participating bodies, which promote the projects, will select the candidates based on specific criteria related to the projects presented. Each participant may submit only one application for participation per project
.
When does the Civil Agricultural Service start?
The Civil Agricultural Service announcement will be published on October 2, 2024 and, after the publication of the rankings, the projects will start during 2025.
Text of the Protocol of the Civil Agricultural Service
The protocol establishing the Civil Agricultural Service is the result of an agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) and the Ministry for Sport and Youth, signed on 21 December 2023. This document defines the guidelines and objectives of the program, with particular attention to sustainability and the promotion of Italian agricultural heritage
.
The Civil Agricultural Service represents a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to the development of Italian agriculture and rural communities, while acquiring useful skills for their future work. With the first call expected on October 2, 2024, the program presents itself as an innovative initiative, able to combine sustainability, social inclusion and the enhancement of
the territory.
