Frontier Olive Cultivation and Alternative Herbaceous Crops in Non-Mediterranean Climatic

The course is designed to provide agricultural professionals with a comprehensive set of practical and theoretical skills related to the development of olive cultivation and herbaceous crops, such as cereals and artichokes, which are particularly suited to the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy. This course addresses the growing needs of the agricultural sector, particularly in light of climate change, which increasingly highlights the importance of crop diversification and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Theoretical lectures, totaling 26 hours, will cover essential topics related to olive cultivation and herbaceous crops. These lectures will focus on themes such as the conservation and management of traditional varieties of agricultural interest, selecting appropriate cultivation environments and environmental suitability, soil preparation and arrangement from planting to management, and the care of trees and soil. The lectures will be delivered by industry experts, including faculty from the University of Pavia and other professionals.

Practical activities, including field visits and hands-on sessions, form the core of the course, with 34 hours dedicated to practical learning. The field visits will take place at various farms in northern Italy, primarily in Lombardy, across the provinces of Pavia, Lecco, and Brescia. During these visits, participants will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the theoretical lessons under the guidance of industry experts.

Practical activities will continue until June 2025, with a particular focus on the olive harvest period, which will begin as early as October. This will allow participants to gain comprehensive practical knowledge of the life cycle of the crops covered in the course.

An important feature of the course is the opportunity for host farms to participate in the course free of charge during events specifically organized for the field visits. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses to access high-quality training and contribute actively to the enrichment of the course through sharing their own experiences and expertise.

Through a combination of theoretical lessons, practical activities, and farm visits, participants will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully cultivate olives and other herbaceous crops in the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive certification of the skills acquired through an Open Badge issued by the University of Pavia.

Course Duration: 60 hours (26 theoretical and 34 practical)

Language: Italian

Mode of Delivery: In-person and online theoretical lessons, in-person practical activities

Registration Fee: Free access