SEF supports the association Ficus in their efforts to conserve agrobiodiversity in western Sicily. Over 60% of the traditional old varieties of fruit and horticultural crops are being abandoned, resulting in the loss of varieties that are well-adapted to the specific climate and soil of the region.

The project will involve local farmers in the Marsala and Trapani areas to identify ancient crop varieties at risk of extinction and promote sustainable agriculture techniques. The crops will be recovered and cultivated at the Ficus center, involving youths with disabilities and vulnerable immigrants under the guidance of certified operators in horticultural therapy.

The initiative supported by SEF, is a complementary project to the FOOD project (Ficus Beyond All Disabilities), in collaboration with ANFFAS(National Association of Families and People with Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodevelopmental Disorders), funded by the Sicilian Region.

Everything is ready to kick off with the construction of educational gardens in Marsala, involving young people with disabilities and young immigrants!

As part of the project for the conservation of agrobiodiversity in Western Sicily, the Sicilian Purple Cauliflower has been selected and cultivated by local farmers as a traditional variety for the autumn gardens.

This vegetable, with high agronomic and commercial potential, is at risk of being abandoned, but the first seeds have already germinated, and the plants are growing strong and lush. An important first step to enhance ancient local varieties and promote social inclusion!

Ficus is collaborating with Cooperativa Sociale NoE from Partinico and Climavore x Jameel at RCA to preserve the agrobiodiversity of western Sicily! The farmers involved are beginning the autumn production of ancient Sicilian varieties of pumpkin and melon, which are at risk of being abandoned.

The selected varieties are known for their excellent organoleptic qualities and their resistance to diseases, pests, and drought, providing farmers with a genetic foundation for more climate-resilient gardens.