PRODUZIONI ANIMALI: EXPLORING ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN ITALY
- May 17-29, 2027
- Credits: ANSC 49500 – 3 credits
- Estimated Cost: $5150 which includes international medical insurance, housing, some meals, admission fees, transportation in country and 3 credits. It does not include some meals, airfare, personal expenses or souvenirs.
- Leaders: Stacy Zuelly & TBD
- Callout: September 23, 2026 at 5:30 pm in Creighton Hall 1049
Discover the agriculture, food, history, and culture of northern and central Italy on this immersive journey through some of the country's most celebrated agricultural regions and historic cities. From the canals of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany, students will explore how agriculture shapes Italian landscapes, traditions, cuisine, and communities.
The program begins in Venice and the Venetian Lagoon, where students will visit Sant’Erasmo, known as the "vegetable garden of Venice," and learn how local farmers grow fresh produce in the unique environment of the lagoon. The journey continues to the Treviso and Prosecco Hills, where students will visit a commercial horticultural farm and learn about vegetable production before exploring vineyards and learning about grape cultivation and Prosecco production.
Traveling south, students will experience the agricultural heart of Emilia-Romagna, including a visit to a rice-producing region in the Po Valley. They will learn about rice cultivation, harvesting, and processing before visiting a cattle farm to explore herd management, animal nutrition, animal welfare, and milk production. At a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, students will see how one of Italy's most famous cheeses is produced and aged and learn about the regulations that protect its quality and authenticity.
The program also includes time in Bologna, where students can explore the historic city center and experience the food traditions of one of Italy's most famous culinary regions. As the journey continues into Tuscany, students will visit the Pistoia Nursery District, one of Europe's important centers for ornamental plant production, and learn about nursery production, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, sustainability, and preparing plants for domestic and international markets.
Students will also experience some of Italy's most iconic cities, including Florence, Siena, and Pisa. Guided tours and free time provide opportunities to explore Renaissance architecture, medieval city centers, historic landmarks, markets, cafés, and local culture. In the Tuscan countryside, students will visit an agriturismo to learn about the relationship between agriculture and rural tourism and experience the daily life of a working farm. They will also visit an olive-growing farm and olive oil mill to learn about olive grove management, harvesting, processing, and the production of extra virgin olive oil.
Throughout the program, students will see firsthand how agriculture, food, business, history, and culture are interconnected in Italy. With visits to farms, vineyards, rice fields, cattle operations, dairies, nurseries, and olive groves, combined with experiences in some of Italy's most historic cities, this program offers a unique opportunity to experience Italy beyond the traditional tourist destinations.
From farm to table, vineyard to bottle, and countryside to city, students will gain a deeper appreciation for Italian agriculture and the important role it plays in the country's culture and economy.