SPORE

A public notice to finance innovative multifunctional agricultural projects

1. The purpose

SPORE is an initiative by the Social Cooperative Qualcosa di Diverso, with the support of Fondazione con il Sud, to support agricultural, ecological, and social projects that align with the development lines of XFARM Agricoltura Prossima.

The proposed projects must be carried out in the spaces of XFARM Agricoltura Prossima or be closely linked to the productive, social, and cultural dynamics promoted by XFARM Agricoltura Prossima.

The purpose of SPORE is twofold:

• To offer learning and activation opportunities in the agricultural field.
• To experiment with new value production models through the tool of open innovation.

SPORE supports the experimentation, prototyping, and implementation of innovative agricultural projects in the following areas:

• Organic and regenerative agriculture
• Circular economy
• Protection and enhancement of biodiversity
• Social and community agriculture
• Agriculture 4.0
• Agricultural economy and rural development
• ·New forms of repurposing and use of rural space
• New models for food production and distribution
• · Rural tourism and hospitality.

2. Beneficiaries

All Italian or foreign residents of legal age in Italy can submit projects, either individually or as part of informal groups or established organizations. Projects can be developed in partnership with local entities, schools, universities, businesses, and other economic and social actors who can support the activity in various ways (use of structures, environments, equipment, financial resources, etc.).

3. Available resources

SPORE is funded with resources from the “XFARM Azienda Agricola Manifesto” project, financed by the Social Cooperative Qualcosa di Diverso with the support of Fondazione con il Sud under the 2019 “Confiscated Assets” call.

Two projects will be selected for funding in 2023.

The funding provides €2,500 for consumable materials, €2,500 for equipment, and €3,200 for consultancy and mentoring necessary for the project’s implementation.

All expenses will be covered by the Social Cooperative Qualcosa di Diverso, with modalities and timelines agreed upon with the winners of SPORE, and will remain the property of the Social Cooperative Qualcosa di Diverso.

4. How to participate and submit an application

To apply for the public notice, candidates must send an email to info@xfarm.me with the subject “SPORE application,” including:

• Their project by completing the downloadable form below.
• · Curriculum vitae (personal and/or of the proposing organization).
• · Any partnership letters.
• · Any supplementary materials.

5. Selection and admission

A commission appointed by XFARM Agricoltura Prossima will evaluate the proposals based on the quality, feasibility, innovation, and sustainability of the project, determining admission to support according to its unquestionable judgment. The commission may conduct interviews to explore the project contents. Eligible projects will be supported until the available funds are exhausted.

The admission of projects to SPORE’s support will be published on this page.

The projects admitted must carry out the planned activities within twelve months from admission, and they must be continuous. At the project’s conclusion, the responsible person must present a final report describing the activities carried out.

The call will remain open in 2023 until the selection of the 2 fundable projects.