The pilot initiative "Rural4University 2017", carried out with the collaboration of nine Regions (Puglia, Piedmont, Umbria, Molise, Campania, Calabria and Sicily; Tuscany and Emilia Romagna Regions, through their LAGs) and with the socio-economic partnership (professional and trade associations), offered an online information path on the e-learning platform, field experience, guidance and business advice on the theme "Rural development, organic farming and diversification". The activities, aimed at university students (3rd year Bachelor or 1st year Master of Science degree) and professors of 17 Universities of Italy admitted to participate in the initiative, were aimed at raising awareness of good business practices, experiences and innovative systems of the territory.

The accompanying course, also aimed at starting up start-ups and promoting knowledge of employment opportunities in organic farming, was conceived and designed to provide methodologies, operational tools and specialist knowledge (from legislation to production and certification aspects, right up to design). The field experience, called "RuralCamp", took place in Puglia, Molise and Campania, with a series of in-depth thematic studies, study visits and practical exercises aimed at analyzing business case studies.