By Deb Risden
In early June, a group of 34 4-H youth and adult participants from across Colorado toured northern Italy and southern France, exploring the cultures and learning about their sustainable agricultural practices. The tour began in Turin, Italy, and concluded in the coastal city of Nice, France.
Cami Kranz, 4-H member from El Paso County 4-H and a sophomore at Falcon High School, said the group took part in hands-on learning experiences over the course of nine days. She said stops included a traditional flour mill, grape farm, veal farm, olive orchard, fruit processing plant, a dairy farm with on-site cheese making and a fruit experiment station. Kranz said at each stop they were able to engage with local experts to better understand how sustainable practices are shaping agriculture across the globe.
Kranz said cultural appreciation was a core part of the journey, as they explored the architecture, history — and sampled regional cuisine.
“Perhaps one of the most impactful outcomes of the trip was the sense of connection we formed,” Kranz said. “In addition to learning from international agricultural professionals, the Colorado 4-H members had the opportunity to bond with 4-H members from other states, fostering friendships that transcended state lines and backgrounds.”
