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These may simply look like eggs to you, but for Diego Sebastian Bellocchio, they represent life, effort, and opportunity. Diego is one of many people working at The Andar Farm in Moreno, Argentina. Andar is a non-governmental organization (NGO) developing opportunities for people with different abilities. This NGO gives Diego and his friends a job and place to be themselves, do what they like, and socialize with others.
Over 15 percent of the world’s population faces barriers that stop them from reaching their full potential. In Argentina, five million people face these barriers every day, 50,000 of whom live in Moreno.
What happens at Andar?
Andar is a place where people with diverse abilities engage in crafts and learn different jobs. Farming, catering, and playing soccer boost their self-confidence and team spirit. They also share their knowledge by teaching school groups about agricultural practices and animal care.
The Happy Chickens Project
Martin Lucero from The Andar Farm collaborated with Pablo Fioretti from our Argentina poultry team to create a small, sustainable chicken farm on Andar property through our Happy Chickens initiative. Their joint effort aims to safeguard poultry health and prevent diseases. It’s a nurturing ground for teaching and instilling values like responsibility and empathy.
The farm is a testament to environmental care and animal welfare, where chickens thrive freely, and waste is repurposed to enrich the land. It’s an important place for the community that helps teach young people about how nature works.
Beyond agriculture, the project has formed a beneficial culinary partnership and made strides in communication and sports involvement, notably in the soccer league.
A quick look into Andar
Diego is one of many who care for the chickens. Every day, he arrives to tend to the chickens’ needs. His interactions show genuine care for the birds, making these daily tasks a highlight of his routine.
A rough start
The Happy Chickens Farm project, which launched in 2022, had a rough start. When everything was ready for the chickens to arrive at their new home, avian influenza hit in 2023. This transboundary disease affects wild and domestic birds and poses a great threat as it easily transmits from bird to bird. Bird movements stopped and the project was postponed. Nevertheless, with determination and a local producer’s help, the chickens made it to Andar a few months later.
Avian influenza prevention and biosecurity for a small free-range chicken farm
Even for small or backyard farms, protecting animal health requires a comprehensive approach including vaccination, biosecurity protocols, and regular monitoring. Pablo recognized these priorities from the start of the project.
Under Pablo’s guidance, Diego and the farm team implemented a strategic biosecurity action plan that protects chickens and people while building practical skills in animal health management.
It’s all connected
Pablo finds deep satisfaction in sharing the farm’s educational value. “Our project evolved from a basic garden and forest area into a complete ecosystem. Garden scraps now nourish our chickens, which produce nutritious eggs. We transform chicken waste into compost that enriches our soil – completing nature’s cycle and demonstrating our environmental commitment.”
The farm has become a success story with 49 chickens producing about 43 eggs each day. Diego and his friends have welcomed over 500 children who leave inspired by their experience. As the chickens cluck happily in their chicken coops, we’re reminded that we all contribute to keeping humans and animals healthy together.
