Umbria initiatives focus on agrifood heritage and rural innovation

Regional initiatives in Umbria are focusing on the integration of tradition, innovation, and education to bolster the local economy. The University for Foreigners of Perugia is launching the ‘Umbria Experience’ intensive course in Norcia from September 27 to October 4. Funded by the Sisma 2016 Research Grant, the program aims to train international students in Italian language, food anthropology, and the region's culinary and artisanal heritage.

Simultaneously, local authorities in the Province of Perugia are addressing the challenges of rural depopulation and land abandonment. Laura Servi, Vice President of the Province of Perugia, emphasized the importance of supporting small producers and utilizing digitalization to connect isolated villages to broader markets. These efforts seek to preserve the social and economic fabric of the region by encouraging young people to invest in local agrifood and sustainable practices.