Aerial view of the 75-acre property.

November 18, 2023, marked a momentous occasion in the Italian Yatra with the official opening of the Goloka Ecofarm in the picturesque region of Liguria. Just 30 minutes from the Italian Riviera’s beautiful beaches, this ISKCON community stands as a sanctuary and a beacon of light, fully embracing Srila Prabhupada’s cherished mission of protecting cows and disseminating Krishna consciousness.

Nestled in the stunning natural beauty of Liguria, very close to Genoa and Savona, the property comprises 75 acres of land (both forest and pasturing fields) and a 1,000-square-meter building with seven apartments, offering great potential for future expansion. 

After months of negotiations, devotees acquired the property at a very advantageous price at the beginning of June. A dozen devotees have tirelessly worked on renovating the property, which had been vacant for years. At the beginning of November, a herd of 33 cows, for which the project was initiated, moved to their new home, and more than 60 devotees officially inaugurated the project with a fire sacrifice, kirtans, go-puja, entertainments, and an opulent prasadam feast!

Goloka Ecofarm aims to captivate the hearts of both devotees and the general public through the following features:

Cow Protection: A profound commitment to cow protection lies at the core of Goloka Ecofarm’s values. Today, when animal welfare is sadly lacking, Goloka Ecofarm is firmly dedicated to providing these magnificent beings with a safe and loving haven. Each of our 33 cows is regarded as sacred, embodying the true spirit of the Vedic tradition and ISKCON’s values.

Sustainable Agriculture: Goloka Ecofarm stands as a testament to sustainable agriculture, embracing practices prioritizing the health of the land and its inhabitants. Through organic farming methods and a commitment to biodiversity, the community aims to preserve soil fertility and minimize its environmental footprint. The farmers at Goloka Ecofarm are stewards of the earth, working in harmony with nature to ensure a sustainable and abundant future and continually expanding our food independence.

Illuminating Hearts and Minds: More than just an eco-farm, the fully functioning co-located temple of ISKCON Savona is a thriving center for propagating Krishna consciousness. The members adhere to the spiritual teachings of Srila Prabhupada, and our daily spiritual program serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual worlds, fostering a deep sense of purpose and devotion.

Engaging the Community: Goloka Ecofarm invites the surrounding community through engaging events and initiatives. Our weekly Sunday program and feast remain a resounding success, and we hope to conduct workshops on sustainable agriculture, animal care, and spiritual gatherings for youth. These are just a few planned activities designed to raise awareness, involve locals, and attract visitors from across Europe. The community envisions active participation, encouraging people to share experiences, acquire new skills, and contribute to the overall community’s well-being.

Social and Economic Impact: Goloka Ecofarm not only seeks to positively impact the environment but also strives for social and economic prosperity. By creating local employment opportunities and promoting healthy agricultural products such as our range of ahimsa dairy and artisanal bakery, Goloka Ecofarm actively contributes to the region’s economic growth while fostering a sustainable approach to food production.

Looking ahead, Goloka Ecofarm aspires to be a source of inspiration for other communities, not only in Liguria but beyond. With its integrated vision of cow protection, sustainable agriculture, and spirituality, Goloka Ecofarm exemplifies how a harmonious future, where humans live in balance with nature, can be realized.

For more information and to get involved, you can contact them at +39 388 725 9021 or via email. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  If you are interested in donating to this exciting project, please visit their GoFundMe.