Legacy of the Soil: Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food (Project No: 2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774) was an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project implemented by Green Behavior Youth Organization and coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España in Gijón, Spain, from 28 April to 5 May 2025. Bringing together participants from Turkey, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland, the project focused on strengthening youth workers’ knowledge and practical competences in sustainable agriculture, safe food production, organic farming, healthy nutrition, environmental protection, and climate-conscious lifestyles through a wide range of non-formal education activities.

Throughout the mobility, participants explored how individual choices can contribute to a healthier planet and healthier communities. Practical workshops on organic food, permaculture, seed-ball production, bread making, sustainable transportation, recycling, and food waste demonstrated that environmental sustainability begins with everyday habits. Interactive learning methods encouraged participants to transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions while developing teamwork, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and intercultural cooperation.

The final learning experiences expanded these achievements by connecting sustainability with the local community. During the “Taste Trails” activity, participants discovered Gijón’s traditional breakfast culture through visits to local cafés, bakeries, and markets while engaging directly with residents and promoting the project’s environmental message. These encounters strengthened intercultural dialogue, highlighted the importance of supporting local food systems, and demonstrated how sustainable tourism and regional gastronomy can contribute to environmental awareness and community development.

Reflection and evaluation also played a key role in consolidating participants’ learning outcomes. Language self-assessment activities encouraged participants to recognize the progress they had made in English communication, intercultural interaction, and personal confidence throughout the project. Visits to important cultural and environmental landmarks in Gijón further reinforced the connection between sustainable urban development, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility. Structured evaluation sessions enabled participants to critically assess their learning journey, identify challenges, and reflect on how the acquired knowledge could be transferred into future youth work initiatives.

Overall, Legacy of the Soil successfully equipped youth workers with practical tools, innovative educational methods, and a broader understanding of sustainable food systems. Participants left the project with stronger competences in climate awareness, organic agriculture, food safety, environmental responsibility, healthy nutrition, intercultural communication, and active citizenship. By combining experiential learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement, the project created a lasting network of motivated youth workers prepared to promote sustainable agriculture, safe food practices, and environmentally responsible lifestyles within their local communities across Europe.