Legacy of the Soil: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food Through International Cooperation

The Erasmus+ mobility project “Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food” (2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774), organized by Green Behavior Youth Organization and hosted by Generaciones Saludables España in Gijón, Spain, brought together youth workers from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland between 28 April and 5 May 2025. The initiative created a collaborative environment for exploring sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmentally responsible lifestyles through non-formal education.

Interactive icebreakers and orientation activities fostered trust, teamwork, and a sense of belonging among participants. Through movement-based games, mapping exercises, and guided exploration of the local surroundings, youth workers developed communication skills, spatial awareness, and confidence while establishing a supportive atmosphere for intercultural learning and cooperation.

The project also highlighted sustainable mobility and healthy living through cycling workshops that combined practical skills with environmental awareness. Participants strengthened their physical well-being, learned safe cycling techniques, and reflected on the role of low-carbon transportation in mitigating climate change and promoting greener communities.

Sessions dedicated to Erasmus+, Youthpass, and the key competences of lifelong learning enabled participants to better understand the value of non-formal education and to recognize their own personal and professional growth. Creative self-assessment activities encouraged critical reflection on issues such as climate change, food safety, and organic living, helping participants identify both their existing knowledge and future learning goals.

Cultural exchange activities further enriched the experience by showcasing agricultural traditions, local foods, dances, and languages from the participating countries. By sharing perspectives and engaging in dialogue, participants deepened their appreciation of cultural diversity while strengthening their collective commitment to sustainable agriculture, safe food systems, and active European citizenship.