The Chianti School for Young Farmers in September

The seventh edition of the farmers’ school is getting underway. Funded with around 300,000 euros through the ESF+ Operational Programme 2021–2027 and promoted as part of GiovaniSì (the Tuscany Region’s project for young people’s independence), a new edition of the three-year course is now under way. The programme, organised by the five Chianti municipalities in the Florence area that are members of the training agency Chiantiform (San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti, Barberino Tavarnelle, Bagno a Ripoli and Impruneta), will open a new class in mid-September 2026, ready to welcome 15 students.

“The aim of the training programme,” emphasised Elisa Corneli, the biotechnologist who is president and director of Chiantiform, “is to promote access to inclusive, high-quality education for young people under the age of 18 who have completed the first cycle of education.” The three-year Vocational Education and Training (IeFP) course for Agricultural Workers offers hands-on experience in the world of work, combining classroom lessons with practical work in the fields.

“This journey,” added the governor, Eugenio Giani, “speaks to the very heart of our identity and our future.”

The total of 2,970 hours, spread over three years – each lasting 990 hours – includes 1,085 hours of theoretical lessons for basic training and the same number of hours for practical workshop activities. In addition, 800 hours of work placements / work-study programmes are scheduled, comprising work placements at local companies (400 hours in the second year and 400 hours in the third year of the programme). The course runs from September 2026 to June 2029, with compulsory attendance from Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.

In terms of learning, the training programme enables participants to fulfil their right and duty to vocational education and training, promoting the acquisition of basic skills and the attainment of the professional qualification of Agricultural Worker in the specialisations ‘Construction and maintenance of green spaces, parks and gardens’ and ‘Cultivation of herbaceous, horticultural and woody plants in open fields and greenhouses’.