WWOOF also participated this year in the meeting of the Vicenza GAS Network, which was held in Valdagno (VI) on May 10. Giorgio, our local coordinator, added our association’s voice to the many others that came together to discuss social justice, war, and the production of healthy food on a local scale—in short, the issues we care about. WWOOF’s participation in meetings of this kind has been increasing lately, and these events are an opportunity not only to give those who don’t yet know our association a firsthand look at what we do, but also to feel like we’re part of something bigger—pieces of a complex mosaic of people and organizations rowing together in a determined and counter-current direction against the obvious injustices of the world around us. Just look at the variety of organizations and topics discussed throughout the day to understand how important it was for us to be there.
However, we’d like to let Giorgio speak for himself, as he provided us with an honest account of that day and reminded us how important it is for coordinators to take an active role in their local communities—to inspire them with meaningful ideas and build ever-wider networks of relationships, which serve as vital safety nets for our daily work.
VALDAGNO, Province of Vicenza, May 10, 2026
The Vicenza-based GAS (Solidarity Purchasing Group) network organizes an annual gathering in the province.
This year, they also invited us at WWOOF Italia to participate, noting that we share common goals and that some of the producers from whom they make their purchases are registered as hosts.
Fabrizio forwarded the email to the most active people in the area, and in the end—given how close I was to the organizers and the fact that I knew them personally—I took care of it myself. After discussing and agreeing on the details, I had two pages of informational material sent to me and printed a total of 50 copies.
On Sunday morning, together with Elena Piva, who was hanging around nearby, we went to the spot where the stalls had already been set up, including the one run by our member Giandomenico Cortiana, an apple grower who works with RSR on grains, offering bread and flour.
He was out and about with his family, but Umberto—the company’s other recent local partner, a Geccalina farmer who raises free-range chickens for eggs and meat—hadn’t set up his booth. At the booths, visitors could also get information and contribute to aid for the Palestinian people.
So we set up our booth, and throughout the morning, quite a few people from different generations stopped by. We both spoke about the association with the utmost professionalism and provided additional information.
Throughout the day, there were several informative presentations; one of them focused on the global food market and also touched on practical and economic issues related to producer prices and consumer costs.
During the shared lunch in the hall, the weather turned to rain. However, we also organized a circle-style presentation session in which Giandomenico participated and contributed. Tatiana, a Turkish WWOOFer
staying with Giandomenico, also described her experience.
I’d say this format is also useful, given the participants’ interest, but I find the one-on-one storytelling approach more engaging. Just like last year, a theatrical performance was planned for the finale, but this year it was canceled because they wanted to stage it outdoors.
In the days that followed, I stopped by to see Mirco, the president of the Vicenza network, and we exchanged thoughts.
I have about ten sheets left, which I’ll put in the library. Greetings to everyone who has just finished reading… from Giorgio
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