An 18-year-old’s entrepreneurial idea becomes a proud reality in the region, thanks to her intuition and lightness
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An 18-year-old’s entrepreneurial idea becomes a proud reality in the region, thanks to her intuition and lightness
2012
Via Rodabella 14 Castel Ritaldi (PG)
Agricola Lattanzi Cinzia’ promotes a multifunctional farm with a focus on educational farm and agritourism. The owner, Cinzia Lattanzi, shares her passion for the production of traditional dairy products such as ricotta and pecorino, offering guests authentic experiences in the Italian countryside. The farm also presents the involvement of young people in farming, emphasising the importance of knowledge and appreciation of rural traditions for future generations.
It all began in 2012 when, after finishing high school, the owner decided to embark on this adventure with the help of her parents. Initially, she had a small workshop and a modest sales outlet housed in a part of the house. Production was limited to a few basic products such as pecorino and ricotta. Over time, experimenting and attending courses, he expanded the range of products, and now produces around fifteen different cheeses and dairy products. At that point, the old laboratory was too small and about three years ago a new, slightly larger laboratory was built in order to have more space and to be able to work better.
The farm, located in open country, where the animals can graze freely, is mainly family-run: the owner and her aunt take care of the cheese production, her mother helps with the sales, her father and her husband manage the hay in the summer and her father, together with two workers, takes care of the stable. Initially run by the family alone, over time it became necessary to hire two external workers to help with the management of the animals. Currently, the farm has more than 600 sheep, two cows and two horses.
Guided farm tours and special events: Guided tours of the farm, allowing guests to explore the farm environment and learn about farming and animal husbandry practices.
From time to time, the enterprising owner orchestrates delightful events such as convivial aperitifs or enlightening guided tours, all crafted with the aim of enticing a fresh wave of clientele. It is palpable that these endeavors are met with fervent enthusiasm, as they afford participants the sublime opportunity to immerse themselves amidst the idyllic expanse of open countryside, forging an intimate connection with the verdant tapestry of nature whilst indulging in the delectable bounty of the farm’s genuine produce.
In her astute marketing strategy, the owner deftly harnesses the power of social media platforms, leveraging their expansive outreach to disseminate the allure of these experiences far and wide. A notable instance of this savvy approach was the enchanting “Lunch at the Shepherd’s” event held last Easter Monday, an occasion that beckoned visitors from the bustling streets of Rome to the picturesque landscapes of the Marche region, allured by the captivating glimpses showcased on the virtual realm of Instagram.
Product tastings and selling: Tastings of their dairy products, such as ricotta and pecorino, allowing guests to sample and appreciate local flavours. In addition to her own initiatives, the owner has created a quaint shop on the farm, a cosy oasis where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the country experience and purchase a wide range of zero-mile products. Here, between rustic walls and well-stocked shelves, artisanal cheeses, fresh dairy products and other farm produce are carefully displayed, all prepared with love and dedication using local ingredients and traditional techniques.
This small emporium is more than just a shop; it is a place where the bond between the local community and the farm is strengthened, where customers can personally learn the story behind each product, discover the secrets of dairy production and enjoy local delicacies with a sense of rewarding connection to the land and its bounty.
The shop has become a haven for lovers of wholesome food and high-quality ingredients, and an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to savour the true taste of the Umbrian countryside. With its cosy atmosphere and wide selection of premium products, this charming space contributes to making the experience at the farm an authentic celebration of local flavours and rural culture.
Furthermore, the exquisite farm products are not limited to the on-site shop; their renowned quality extends to the finest supermarkets in the area. Through partnerships with leading local retailers, the artisanal cheeses, fresh dairy products, and other delightful farm offerings are made accessible to an even broader audience, bringing the authentic taste and genuineness of the countryside directly to the tables of Umbrian families.
This presence in local supermarkets not only allows the community to enjoy farm products with greater convenience but also strengthens the bond between the farm and the surrounding region, promoting sustainable local economy and showcasing Umbrian culinary heritage. Thanks to this distribution network, the renowned quality and craftsmanship of the farm’s products are appreciated and celebrated not only by farm visitors but also by all who value the authentic taste and local origin of their food.
Educational farm: Accompanied by Cinzia, visitors embark on a tour of her farm, which currently accommodates a diverse array of animals, including hens of both ornamental and functional varieties, geese, turkeys, splendid peacocks, ducks, a pony by the name of Stellina, and numerous others. They are afforded the opportunity to tour Cinzia’s expansive flock, consisting of well over 700 sheep and their charming offspring. Subsequently, within the workshop, they observe the meticulous process involved in sheep cheese production, gaining insight into each sequential stage. Furthermore, workshops are arranged to cater to both adults and children, offering an engaging and informative experience for all attendees.
The principal advantage of starting a farm lies in the freedom to live according to personal preferences, alongside family. Embracing the unhurried, gratifying, and authentic rural lifestyle fosters a profound connection with nature.
Operating a farm entails significant commitment, meticulous planning, and resilience to navigate challenges. Agricultural endeavors demand strenuous labor and often require long hours, particularly during critical seasons such as planting, harvesting, and crop maintenance. The volatility of agricultural commodity prices, subject to market fluctuations, directly impacts farm profitability. In the agricultural sector, robust competition prevails, both domestically and globally, exerting pressure on product pricing. To address this, an agreement was established with neighboring farmers – providing natural fertilizers in exchange for grazing access for sheep..
Many of the services offered by the farm have been made possible thanks to European funds. As a young entrepreneur, Cinzia has taken advantage of various facilitations for business creation provided by the region and other European projects focused on agricultural development. These funds have played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the farm’s diverse offerings and its continued growth.
In the spirit of internationalism, the farm actively engages with various tourist agencies, forging partnerships that often bring groups of foreign visitors eager to explore the farm’s operations. These visitors not only have the opportunity to witness firsthand the traditional production methods of pecorino cheese but also participate in interactive cheese tasting sessions, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, there is a strong desire to further enrich the educational experiences provided by the farm. Plans are underway to establish a comprehensive educational farm, expanding upon the current offerings to create a dynamic learning environment for children and families alike. This innovative endeavor will include hands-on activities, guided tours, and interactive workshops designed to educate visitors about sustainable farming practices, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Moreover, this expansion aligns with the farm’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By embracing a circular economy model, the farm aims to minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and prioritize environmental sustainability in all aspects of its operations. This holistic approach not only benefits the farm but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for other agricultural enterprises striving to cultivate a more sustainable future.
What is recommended, therefore, is firstly to inform oneself about all possible funding opportunities that can be used, and secondly, to undergo training. Being a farmer no longer means simply being a peasant working the land, but rather a rural entrepreneur. Before venturing into starting a farm, it is essential to participate in specific courses. Cinzia herself attended a course 12 years ago to become an agricultural entrepreneur, during which she acquired knowledge about regulations and rules regarding agriculture and livestock. However, today regulations have become increasingly stringent, and bureaucracy is excessive, with numerous records to compile and a series of procedures to follow. Despite these challenges and difficulties, love for nature and animals can be a powerful driver to pursue the dream of managing a farm. It is also important to consider the financial aspect and carefully plan the available resources, seeking possible sources of funding or government incentives to support the activity. Additionally, establishing networks of collaboration with other farmers and industry professionals can be invaluable for exchanging knowledge, resources, and mutual support.
The Farms’ Charm project aims to develop learning materials to educate small and medium-sized farmers in possible ways of starting their agritourism activities which will help them not only diversify their incomes but also promote their farm products directly to consumers. All that while reviving the rural areas and local communities and promoting a sustainable way of tourism which is in line with the tendencies of slowing down and staying longer at one area.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The content of this website reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
