Agrosocial Erasmus+ project is sowing the seeds of inclusion through organic gardening. This inspiring initiative, co-led by Terra i Dona (Spain), CoLeitrim (Ireland), and Meraki Projectes, is transforming public urban gardens into accessible, sustainable, and socially inclusive spaces.
A Field Where Everyone Belongs
Earlier this year, a moving event took place at The Organic Centre in Leitrim, Ireland. Thanks to CoLeitrim’s leadership, the day brought together people with disabilities, community members, and social farmers. A simple yet powerful workshop—seed planting—symbolized personal growth and inclusion. Everyone participated, learned, and brought home a little pot of hope.
Although small in format, this event reflects a much bigger mission. According to the Agrosocial Erasmus+ project proposal, the aim is not only environmental awareness but also to restore degraded spaces, empower communities, and improve the mental and physical health of vulnerable populations.
Learning from the Soil
Under the project’s first objective, “LEARN”, partners compiled good practices from urban organic gardens across Europe. These included sustainable management, citizen involvement, and accessibility features that make gardens friendly for people with disabilities.
This deep dive into inclusive agriculture was more than academic. The information gathered was essential to create real-world, replicable solutions. As highlighted in the project report, these practices set the foundation for later stages of Agrosocial—particularly the “TRAIN” and “MULTIPLY” phases.
Moreover, each garden served as a microcosm of wider societal values: equity, participation, and respect for the environment. This aligns with global objectives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 3, 4, 11, and 13).
Workshops That Cultivate More Than Plants
In Spain and Ireland, Agrosocial partners hosted inclusive workshops where individuals of all backgrounds learned skills in ecological farming. These sessions went far beyond gardening. They became a place to connect, share stories, and rediscover capabilities often overlooked by society.
For instance, in Castellón, Spain, one of the workshops focused on km0 gardening and ecological food production. It involved not only seed planting but also composting, water conservation, and cooperative land use. All participants—especially those with disabilities—had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, guided by Meraki’s expertise in participatory methods and training innovation ….
A Toolkit for Transformation
The final result of the Agrosocial Erasmus+ project will be a downloadable guidebook designed to help organisations replicate these activities. The “Agrosocial Urban Gardens: Inclusive Environments and Activities” toolkit will include methodologies, lessons learned, and adaptable formats for different communities.
This practical outcome ensures that Agrosocial’s impact will extend well beyond the initial partners. Municipalities, NGOs, and education centres across Europe will be able to implement inclusive strategies using local resources. The toolkit will be available on Erasmus+ platforms and Meraki’s website.
Why This Project Matters Now
Across Europe, more people are facing social isolation and environmental threats. Urban organic gardens offer one small, concrete solution to both. Projects like Agrosocial show that with thoughtful design, public spaces can become hubs of resilience, connection, and education.
Furthermore, this model demonstrates how EU funding can be used not just to support infrastructure, but to nourish community empowerment. When people plant together, they grow together.
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