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    Base de données des projets PDR

    Valorising Local Identities Trough Innovation and Diversification: a Pathway for Sustainable Farm Management

    Summary

    In 2009, Vincenzo Sposato took over the family farm in Italy. Thanks to EAFRD support, he has been able to increase farm productivity, diversify into pig breeding and develop new supply channels so as to strengthen the farm’s viability.

    Photo:

    Background

    The 26 ha farm in the valley of Crati has a very favourable location for the cultivation of olives and vines. The young farmer’s business plan was to increase the quality of existing products, such olive oil, which was certified as organic and labelled under the PDO Bruzio. He also wanted to diversify production, by breeding black pigs, which are typical to the region, and to open a farm shop to increase sales. Half the produce is now sold via the farm shop, 40% in local supermarkets and the remaining 10% is sold online.

    Objective

    The aim of the project was to: modernise the farm; introduce sustainable farming practices; increase the quality of the farm’s products, particularly olive oil; diversify into pig breeding, so as to increase profitability; and improve the sales system.

    Main activities

    The main activities included: setting-up an irrigation system that also disposes of wastewater; installing a system to dispose of olive pulp; building a piggery; developing the farm website (in Italian and English); adapting olive oil production to acquire the “PDO Bruzio” label; installing two photovoltaic panels; and opening the farm shop.

    Results & Benefits

    The investment increased farm productivity and profit, reduced input costs (of energy and fertilisers), reduced wastewater (by 50%), improved olive oil quality and contributed to the preservation of regional biodiversity through the breeding of the local black pig species. The farm has undertaken a fruitful cooperation with the local university and it is also now part of a pig meat processing cooperative. The farm’s economic forecast is positive.

    Lessons learnt

    The integrated use of different measures and funds enabled the farmer to plan for different types of investment. The ability of the young farmer to set up a network of local actors has helped to develop innovative solutions and opened the farm's produce to new markets, such as to big supermarkets.

    Project location and other information

    Bisignano, province of Cosenza. The beneficiary applied also for other 3 RDP measures - 121, 132 and 311 - and implemented three other projects for a total cost of €486,000 (€ 180,000 EAFRD)

    Region

    Calabria

    RDP Territory

    Calabria

    Total project cost (€)

    35 000

    EAFRD contribution (€)

    17 500

    National contribution (€)

    17 500

    Other funding sources (€)

    486 000

    Project website

    Contact name

    Vincenzo Sposato

    Telephone

    +390984943982

    Languages for contact

    English, French, German, Italian

    At a glance

    Country

    Italy

    Final beneficiary type

    Individual farmers

    Budget range

    €100 000 - €500 000

    Start date:

    17/10/2010

    End Date:

    30/05/2013

    Theme / Measure:

    • Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
    • Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
    • 121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings

    Keywords:

    Olives, Biodiversity, Modernisation, Farm diversification, Young farmers

    Last update

    09/09/2013