Scandinavia
Norway, Sweden and Denmark were the first to launch Educational Farms in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century they put into practice the idea of the American movement 4-H (Head, Health, Heart, Hand). The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership and life skills of youth through mostly experiential learning programs. The mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development” will be achieved by promoting interaction and diversity among people. In this system every species is equal. The slogan of 4-H is “learn by doing”, like that of our concept of active education. The 4-H organizes camping programmes of several days, normally of one week, including overnight stay in a farm. During the week participants can escape from city noise, learn how to run the farm and look after the animals.

Germany
Germany has approached this issue after the end of the Second World War. The German League of Youth Farms and the Active Playground Association (Bdja) operates at a national level and collaborates with local business associations. The goal of these groups is to create safe playgrounds, where kids are monitored by experts (Youth Educational Farms, playgrounds, children and youth adventure parks, agricultural holdings). BdJA represents more than 150 organisations.

The Netherlands
In this country City Farms have developed systemically as they are supported by a National Foundation, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cultural Affairs and by various sponsors. Their main goal is to raise children’s awareness and their knowledge of animals and plants

Belgium
The Fédération Belge Francophone des Fermes d'Animation (Belgian Federation of Animation Farms) was created between 1970 and 1980 and is made up of volunteers from several associated farms. The Federation organises various activities for managers, companies’ staff, volunteers and anyone who wants to know more about this world. Every associated company commits to signing the Charter of Quality, defining educational values promoted during farms’ animations. The goal of the Fermes d’Animation is to expose human beings to nature and encourage an active approach towards plants and animals. Every farm is unique due to its location, audience and fundings. Farms are also equipped to host people with special needs.

European Federation of City Farms (EFCF)
Various federations and national groups came together in 1990 and formed a large network, the European Federation of City Farms (EFCF). City farms offer several opportunities to their users, putting the respect of human beings and the environment at the heart of every activity. Each farm has its own special qualities: dedicated facilities, specific activities and fields (therapeutic, conservative activities, social inclusion, environmental education, etc.). Within a City Farm agriculture and horticulture are adapted to children needs. This way children can learn why plants are so important for our nutrition. They are the main actors of the life in the farm, as they help farmers with various works. Although the time between sowing and picking can be quite long, kids learn how important their work is and are amazed by their abilities. Moreover, we observed that a period of intense activity in a City farm help children learn to respect the environment and contribute to increase their knowledge of nature.