On April 9, 2025, the final event of the FACE IT project brought together gardening professionals, educators, and sustainability advocates in Szeged, Hungary. The day-long program marked the culmination of the international initiative focused on promoting innovative training tools and sustainable practices in community gardening, with participants from Hungary and Italy.
The event opened at 10:00 AM with welcoming remarks from József Rácz, President of the Kert-Ész Association, who emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation and community engagement in the project’s success.
Following the introduction, project managers from DTE (Hungary) and EGInA srl (Italy) presented the goals of the FACE IT project and guided participants through the newly launched website, showcasing a rich array of educational resources and project results aimed at empowering urban and rural gardeners alike.
One of the highlights of the morning was a session on best practices, featuring presentations by Reka Ponyai and Dr. Nora Fuz, who shared insights on the project’s innovative training program and online learning platform. The session illustrated how digital tools can support both novice and experienced gardeners in adopting sustainable techniques.
Adding a playful touch, attendees participated in an interactive Gimkit quiz game, testing their knowledge on gardening and sustainability topics using their smartphones—an engaging example of how education can be both fun and effective.
A particularly inspiring moment came during the „Participant Experiences” segment, where a Hungarian and an Italian gardener spoke passionately about their gardens and related activities, such as beekeeping, and how the FACE IT project enriched their knowledge and practices. Their personal stories highlighted the human impact of the initiative and the tangible benefits of international learning exchanges.
The discussion then turned toward the future. In a short session on upcoming directions, speakers and attendees reflected on the project’s relevance in today’s world of climate challenges, food security concerns, and growing interest in local, organic production.
After a networking lunch, the afternoon continued with expert-led professional presentations and a dynamic roundtable discussion. Andrea Cimarelli from Italy discussed the critical role of organic farming today, while Dr. Júlia Hupuczi from the University of Szeged provided insights on soil health and its importance in sustainable horticulture. István Varga introduced precision horticultural technologies that are reshaping how we approach productivity and environmental stewardship in gardening. The roundtable, moderated by Blanka Pecznyik, fostered rich dialogue between experts, practitioners, and audience members.
As the FACE IT project reaches its conclusion, its legacy continues through the tools, knowledge, and community connections it has fostered—laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and interconnected future in European gardening.
Explore the project website to explore free training materials, best practices, and more about the FACE IT initiative.
Ph credit: Szeged, Hungary published on Wikipedia
