Verona's Urban Farming Fair Draws Hobbyists and Sustainability Seekers Across Northern Italy

Veronafiere hosts the 2026 edition of "Vita in Campagna" this weekend, a specialized fair for hobby farmers, urban gardeners, and anyone interested in sustainable living and self-sufficient practices.

Running from March 20 through March 22, the fair occupies three pavilions at the Veronafiere complex in Verona with over 150 exhibitors showcasing agricultural equipment, smart irrigation systems, heirloom seeds, natural cosmetics, and small-scale livestock solutions.

The Programming

The event features:

• 178 free practical courses across 10 thematic areas, including orchard management, beekeeping, pet therapy, and sustainable gardening techniques

• 24 expert speakers covering specialized topics such as vineyard care, olive groves, backyard poultry, and countryside housing

• New Pavilion 10 dedicated entirely to animals, including dog zones, poultry exhibitions, and family-friendly interaction spaces

Event manager Michele Schenato emphasized the collaborative nature of the fair between L'Informatore Agrario and Veronafiere. "The exhibitors are the first promoters of this event, which has become a reference point for all hobby farmers and those who love nature and outdoor living," he explained during the press conference attended by Mayor Damiano Tommasi.

What This Means for Residents

For those living in the Veneto region and surrounding areas, "Vita in Campagna" functions as both marketplace and education hub. The courses cover practical skills directly applicable to Italian climates and regulatory environments, from drought-resistant native species to navigating Italy's small-scale agricultural permits.

The family-oriented expansion, particularly the new animal pavilion, addresses growing interest in backyard poultry and small livestock management. Visitors can interact directly with animals while learning about welfare standards and biosecurity practices relevant to Italian contexts.

Urban dwellers with limited space will find dedicated sections on smart indoor gardening, vertical growing systems, and compact composting solutions—technologies increasingly accessible to amateur gardeners in Italian apartments and small homes.

Elena Rizzotti, president of L'Informatore Agrario, noted that the fair's core mission centers on transmitting principles of environment, biodiversity, sustainability, and self-consumption. "The event represents a unique opportunity to approach or deepen the value of living in nature and outdoors, cultivating and caring for plants and animals while respecting the environment," she said.

Practical Information

"Vita in Campagna" opens Friday morning and runs through Sunday evening at Veronafiere in Verona. All educational courses remain free with fair admission, though some specialized workshops may require advance registration due to capacity limits. The animal pavilion maintains specific visiting hours to ensure animal welfare during high-traffic periods.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or curious about starting your first balcony herb garden, the 178 free courses and hands-on exhibits provide practical knowledge for sustainable living in Italian contexts.