Author: Esther Moore | Major: Environmental Science | Semester: Summer 2025
sitting on the scenic rooftop overlook at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization
After I came back from studying abroad in Australia during my first study abroad adventure in August of 2024, I was absolutely hooked on international travel. Studying abroad in Rome was hardly a difficult decision; ever since hearing about the program from Ms. Vehige, my instructor for several agricultural communications classes, I became obsessed with the idea of spending the first two weeks of my summer exploring all Italy has to offer. The more I learned about the program, the more excited I became. Italy is known for its classic cuisine, as well as the associated freshness and flavor-filled meals America has attempted to adopt. However, most people are unaware that the foundation of this food system is small, local farms rooted deeply in culture and tradition. As a student of environmental science and agricultural communications, I was immediately curious as to how such a successful food system could be reliant on an agricultural sector dominated by smaller farms rather than the giant agriculture monopolies characteristic of America.
Throughout my study abroad experience, I took part in several engaging lessons of how history influences modern Italian life. Our group explored the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Greek and Roman ruins, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and my personal favorite, the Colosseum. The opportunity to learn as a student while playing the role of a tourist was well worth the early morning wake-up calls and the miles of walking over cobblestone streets.
We further immersed ourselves in Italian culture by experiencing every aspect of the food system from the ground up. Our main focus was agriculture and environmental sustainability as it is portrayed to the public. In order to fully grasp these concepts, we toured a variety of farms, including wineries, buffalo dairies, goat farms, and olive orchards. We discussed key elements of agricultural production, from harvesting cycles to soil productivity. We were able to see essential elements of the production phases as well: cheese factories, cellars full of wine, and olive presses teeming with fresh oil. Of course, we concluded each farm tour by sampling the finished product during meals generously provided by each farm.
To complete our study of the food system, we took a tour of the headquarters of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Created in 1945 by a joint effort of 42 different countries, FAO’s founding objectives are to end hunger and eradicate poverty across the globe. Through noble initiatives such as promoting the livelihood of small farmers and striving towards conservation and sustainable resource use, the FAO sits in a very strategic position to achieve the balance between strong agricultural systems and a stable surrounding environment. I find it so encouraging that agriculture is held in such high esteem and that there are people seeking solutions to the problems we may face in the future!
One of the most unique experiences throughout our entire journey came at Olio Petrucci, an olive orchard located on what is known as Olive Hill in Sabina, Italy. The farm is operated by a sister duo in their twenties, and in order to adapt to changing public preferences, they are in the process of rebranding their company in a way that will appeal more to consumers of younger generations. Our group fit the demographic of their target consumers, so they asked for our opinion on logo design, color palettes, and font choices. As a group of agricultural communications students, rebranding is something in which we each excel in our own ways. Together, we were able to decide on a new logo that implemented the desired colors and fonts. Not a few hours later, we saw their updated Instagram profile with their newly designed logo.
Just as important, however, were the friendships that were developed and strengthened, the laughs that we shared, and the memories we created. Our study abroad tour consisted entirely of girls, each studying some form of agricultural communications. Though we spent two weeks together wandering through the streets of Rome, studying the difference between agriculture systems in America and Italy, and experimenting with every form of Italian food, one of my favorite memories was a weekend excursion we took to the coasts of Agropoli and Amalfi. After several hours of riding trains through the Italian countryside, we were absolutely giddy when we arrived on the beach. We shared in each other’s excitement as we explored the ruins of Greek and Roman temples, fawned over buffalo calves at the dairies we visited, and found exactly what souvenirs we were looking for in the shops in Amalfi. I’m so thankful for the girls who made this trip so special, and I am incredibly blessed with the opportunity to represent the Razorbacks in whatever continent I visit!