Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR
Organic Farming as a Way to Foster Farm Business Diversification
Summary
EAFRD supports “Pitrelli” farm (in Basilicata, Italy) to maintain organic farming in its 55 hectares of orchards, olive groves, cereals and vegetable gardens. The support also contributes to improved sales and the diversification of farm activities.
Background
The “Pitrelli” farm is located in the Basilicata Region. The farm holds 55 hectares of orchards, olive groves, cereals and vegetable gardens. The farm is managed by two women under the principles of multi-functionality. The owners started converting the farm to organic agriculture in 1994 and the process was concluded in 2004. A farm outlet is used for direct selling of their products. In addition, the farm’s products are sold through e-commerce mechanisms and solidarity-based purchasing groups.
Objective
The main objective of the project was to increase the added value of the farm's products through the maintenance of organic farming in the farm's orchards, olive groves, cereals and vegetable gardens. This way the project aimed to improve the farm's access to quality food markets. Furthermore, the project aimed at fostering farm business diversification through enhancing promotional and sales activities, as well as educational activities carried out by the farm.
Main activities
In the Pitrelli farm approximately 55 hectares are under the organic farming scheme, receiving around 330 euro/ha. The agri-environmental payments cover 45 hectares of orchards (2250 plum, 6000 apricots, 3000 pear, 900 cherry and 5500 peach trees), 2.5 ha of olive groves, 6 ha cultivated with cereals and 2 ha of vegetable gardens. The Pitrelli farm trades annually significant volumes of organic farm products. Furthermore, it promotes educational activities for children and customers.
Results & Benefits
Given the high quality of the extra virgin olive oil produced, the farm started to bottle and sell olive oil with its own label. The project contributed to improved trade of organic farm products, including extra virgin olive oil, pears, wheat and apricots. The commercial results achieved by selling organic farming products are encouraging the owners to further enlarge direct-selling activities through the start-up of farmers’ market initiatives.
Lessons learnt
The successful trade of organic food products strongly contributes to establishing direct contacts between producers and consumers. The Pitrelli farm also promotes educational activities for customers in the concepts of food quality, natural rhythms and social agriculture. From these diverse perspectives, organic farming represents for farms an opportunity to develop new approaches to the themes of quality food markets and short-supply chains.
Project location and other information
Via La Luna 2, 75020, Nova Siri, Matera Province, Basilicata Region
Region
Basilicata
RDP Territory
Basilicata
Total project cost (€)
18 000/year
EAFRD contribution (€)
10 300/year
National contribution (€)
7 700/year
Project website
Contact name
Giulia & Paola Pitrelli
Telephone
+39 03317477731
Languages for contact
Italian
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Other
Budget range
< €20 000
Start date:
08/10/2012
End Date:
08/10/2015
Theme / Measure:
Environment and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable use of agricultural land
214. Agri-environment payments
Keywords:
Organic farming, Agricultural product quality, Diversity, Local food, Short-supply chain
Last update
30/10/2013