Organic Farming

 Organic farming covers just a marginal share of the total agriculture market in Europe but there is major potential for growth. So far, during our trip, we have visited three organic farms. The first one specialized in organic wine and olive oil production called Factoria Lavacchio. We stopped here on our way to Orvietto.The visit was great. We had the opportunity to talk to the owner and tour the facilities they have. After that, a representative of the farmers cooperative that works with them gave a presentation about the cooperative. It was so interesting to know more about how they work and the benefits the members get out of it. Even more enjoyable, we got to enjoy some of their products. There was a wine tasting accompanied by some other local products like hams, cheese, and olive oil spread.
Our second visit was while staying in Orvietto, a beautiful Etruscan city. We visited a family owned cattle farm with organic certification. We didn't get to talk with the owners about the farm, it was more of a lunch visit to try the products but it was delicious. Organic farming, and livestock organic products, in particular,  phase numerous obstacles in the European market. High production costs, high distribution costs, and a hard certification process are among the main ones to consider. To overcome these problems some organic farms are organizing in farmer association groups to offer their products jointly.
During our visit to multiple organic farms and farmer's markets own by cooperatives,  we grasp a good idea of the sales channels that are predominant in the Italian culture. Organic products are sold mainly at the production site directly to the consumer. More recently, farmer markets are sprouting in every town to offer a wide selection of products together and closer to the possible buyers.
Our last visit to an organic farm so far was to a certified organic sheep farm. This farm is a cooperative composed of five partners and has up to 15 employees in total. It is quite successful. They produce milk, cheese, wool, and meat. This farm instituted the Adopt a sheep program, that has been successful internationally. This program gave the farm important publicity in the international market. Furthermore, to maximize their income, the farm created some rooms to take part in the agrotourism industry that is becoming increasingly popular in Italy. Also, they have a restaurant at the farm where tourist can try their products, and a small store to buy the products. We had lunch and enjoy the variety of cheese and pasta dishes with sheep meat, which has a unique flavor.
Our trip has been full of flavor!

Organic Cattle Farm

Factoria Lavacchio

Farm Marcelli Formaggi