Details
Description
This project is being organized and facilitated by Panagiotis and local village friends. Panagiotis is an experienced teacher of natural farming methodologies and philosophy.
The goal of this project is to promote food security, ecological land management and regeneration, upskilling with regards to self-sufficiency, and the awareness that mutual aid and solidarity is the key to community resilience. Infrastructures and systems will be designed, created, and implemented, to work towards this goal, including: a naturally-farmed fruit orchard, a botanical garden of medicinal and aromatic herbs, vegetable gardens using natural farming techniques, monthly events and workshops of various self-sufficiency and natural farming topics, a seed bank with local and open-pollinated seeds, a small grain production plot, large-scale seedball production site, and many more to come…
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Farming
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
DIY & crafts
Plant care
Gardening
Nature
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living in an isolated Greek mountain village, helpers will be able to interact with several generations of village homesteaders and farmers. The elderly have stories and old trades and tips to share. The younger generation and newcomers demonstrate alternative and creative ways of maintaining a livelihood in a rural area. For those wanting to practice their Greek language skills, there are many opportunities to engage with villagers at the cafés or on the street. If someone is interested in particular traditional trades, such as animal husbandry or food preservation, the people here are generally open to sharing their knowledge and experience.
Learning Opportunities
Helpers will have the opportunity to learn and work under the guidance of Panagiotis, one of Greece’s foremost teachers of Natural Farming, and former apprentice of Masanobu Fukuoka, the renowned “Father of Natural Farming.” Together, the team will design the site and implement initiatives in accordance with natural farming philosophy and techniques. Helpers will learn how to set up vegetable gardens using natural farming methods, as well as maintain a productive nursery, therefore following the entire process, from sowing the seed, to harvesting the fruit. In order to carry out this work, helpers will be taught how to properly use and maintain important hand tools, safely and efficiently. The setting up of facilities will offer experience in building remodeling, appropriate technologies, upcycling, and the use of natural materials. Participation in workshops will educate helpers on a wide variety on topics related to food production and self-sufficiency, including pruning/grafting, off-grid systems, bread making, beekeeping, etc. Above all, helpers will learn how to live and work cooperatively, with respect and communication, and hopefully motivation and inspiration!
Help
CURRENT PROJECTS (Fall/Winter 2025):
The first job at the Agrokipio site is to clear some of the wild growth of invasive tree species, in order to access the available land and get a clearer picture of its potential. As this is on its way, the team is creating designs for a site plan. Then, the property will be fenced, to secure the area from animal grazers, so that trees can then be planted. Basic facilities (compost toilet and basic kitchen) will also be built.
UPCOMING PROJECTS (2025-2026):
Once the site plan is designed, focus will shift to more ongoing programs and projects, such as the establishment of a nursery for seedlings and saplings, the creation and maintenance of vegetable and herb gardens, systematic seed saving and sorting, and continuous tree planting. There will be different workshops every month on different topics related to self-sufficiency and farming, which require help setting up and carrying out. If a helper has a skill they would like to share with the public in the form of a workshop, this opportunity is open and welcomed. During the late summer months, the priority for workshops will be on the production of seedballs, a method which will be taught to all the helpers by the teacher Panagiotis.
USEFUL SKILLS
All skills are welcome, especially the ability to work as part of a team, to cohabitate with open communication, and to take initiative in keeping the working and living environments safe, efficient, and enjoyable.
That being said, at this stage of the project, skills that are currently particularly useful include: Building, Land Management and Gardening, Organizing, as well as Computer and Research skills for documenting and sharing progress updates and exploring fundraising models.
Artists and craftspeople are also welcomed to beautify the common spaces. Engineers and designers are welcomed to help make the spaces more functional
Languages spoken
Greek: Fluent
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
There is a separate shared living space exclusively for helpers. This includes a shared dormitory-style bedroom (mixed gender) and a full kitchen. Ingredients (all organic/natural products) will be provided for all meals. Linens, blankets and towels will be provided, as well as a stock of work clothes and gloves to chose from. There is a washing machine, and free unlimited Wifi internet at the communal dorms.
During the summer months there will also be plenty of camping space.
What else ...
DURATION
Helpers are asked to commit 3 weeks minimum for each stay. Long term stays are also considered (3+ months).
WORKING SCHEDULE
We all work together during the morning hours, Monday – Friday. In the event of weekend workshops, there will be days off during the week, to limit the total number of working hours to maximum 25 per week.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
