In 2009, the Social Cooperative "La Solidarietà" established a greenhouse and launched a sales outlet, kickstarting a project designed to facilitate the training and integration of disabled individuals, prisoners, individuals on alternative measures, and youth experiencing substance dependency.

The project emphasizes a variety of values, from social integration to socio-sustainable development, and promotes urban social agriculture as a catalyst for social cohesion. "La Solidarietà" practices social and organic agriculture, featuring a greenhouse and an outdoor vegetable garden. Additionally, it operates "Caffè dell'Orto," a venue offering daytime and evening social activities free from gambling machines. The initiative champions ecological practices, including organic production and rigorous recycling, aiming to achieve near-zero waste and hosting direct sales of its produce to local families.

This direct engagement with the community through the café, garden, cultural events, and children's parties helps those in personalized rehabilitation programs to interact continually with the community, enhancing their participation in all life aspects, not just employment, but also in developing relational skills.

As of now, the project includes horticulture, a bar, support for disadvantaged individuals (PTRI and Free the Penalty), an educational farm, and a summer centre. Since 2012, the "Participating in Freedom" inter-institutional work platform has been operational, involving the External Penitentiary Enforcement Office of the Ministry of Justice, the House of Benevento, the Diocesan Caritas of Benevento, the Municipality of Benevento, and various third-sector agencies.

From 2012 to 2014, 34 individuals serving alternative criminal measures worked at the Orto, significantly reducing their likelihood of reoffending by more than 75%, as documented in the 2014 publication "Participating in Freedom: Stories of a Sentence Gone Well."

Currently, the Orto is managed by the Consortium of Social and Agricultural Cooperatives "Sale della Terra," which seeks to invest in craft activities and support individuals from diverse social backgrounds in engaging in meaningful work. The agricultural endeavors aim to safeguard local territories and foster social cohesion by integrating vulnerable populations into the workforce and revitalizing areas at risk of marginalization and abandonment.

https://www.facebook.com/caffedellortocasabetania?locale=it_IT

https://consorziosaledellaterra.it/project/orto-di-casa-betania/

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the establishment of infrastructure such as the greenhouse and the "Caffè dell'Orto", fostering innovation in social integration and sustainable agriculture practices.

SDG 1 No poverty. Ending poverty in all its forms by involving marginalized individuals in activities spanning from production to consumption.

SDG 4 – Quality education
Co-managed vegetable gardens serve as educational tools, teaching biodiversity, food, and sustainable consumption to people at risk of marginalization.

SDG 3 -  Good health and well-being
 The food produced in vegetable gardens is free from pesticides, making it healthier and more nutritious.

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The establishment of infrastructure such as greenhouses and the "Caffè dell'Orto" promotes innovation in social integration and sustainable agricultural practices.
 

1. What is the main purpose of the "Orto" project?
2. How does the project benefit disadvantaged individuals and promote social inclusion?
3. What specific activities and features does the project offer to achieve its goals?

Agostino Cefalo for Gramigna