ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF EDUCATION FARMS IN SICILY.

Educational farms today are an innovative tool to meet community needs, to create new welfare models and diversification opportunities for farms. Results showed that difficulties still exist and need to be overcome to fully launch this phenomenon, and the route undertaken at national and community level promises for a fair recognition of its importance within public politics. Educational activities have been also included into the general principle of EXPO 2015 "Nourish the planet, energy for life", where food producing farms are called to face the global food challenge, to safeguard ecosystems, to defend the right for food, to fight against food waste, to preserve biodiversity, to support food sustainability and safety in front of future protagonists of life the children. In relation to the high value such initiatives may have at regional level, it is fundamental to strengthen the network of educational farms, in order to enhance their presence in the territory by means of promotions and common initiatives. Educational farms join youngs and adults with nature. Educational farms are ideal places where to spend a day with children and for adults to discover where food come from, how animals live in the rural world. These typology of farms may represent a real opportunity for those who intend to diversify their activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]