La Ferraretta Bianca

The project “the White Ferraretta” consists of various strands:

• natural agricultural activities
• synergistic breeding of poultry, sheep, and care for wild animals
• agritourism
• cultural activities with historical-naturalistic walks

The implementation of the project as a whole makes use of techniques and knowledge of the principles of permaculture, the aim of which is “the creation of ecologically well-structured and economically productive systems, capable of providing for their own needs, avoiding any form of exploitation and pollution, and thus being sustainable in the long term.”

The agricultural activity is conducted, in addition to using organic and synergistic methods, primarily by considering the permacultural approach of regenerative agriculture (agro-silvo-pastoral system).

We utilize existing crops such as cherry trees, olive trees, figs, and almond trees. Additionally, we enhance the value of the typical spontaneous plants: dog rose, cat's foot, juniper…

We have introduced other fruit trees, particularly ancient varieties. We cultivate various medicinal plants: in particular, there is an extensive planting of lavender for the production of essential oil and aromatic water.

The vegetable gardening planned is necessary for self-consumption, the needs of the refreshment activity, and for processing (jams, sauces, pestos, various dried products).

Moreover, we are experimenting with the cultivation of dye plants, plant fibers, and ancient grains (historically cultivated in the area).

We plan to recover old paths after cleaning the forest.

The farm is complemented by the coordinated presence of some animals that we keep in a family-run manner (chickens, sheep, goats, bees).

The goats and sheep keep various areas of the farm clean with mobile fences moved according to needs. The chickens, also nomadic with “chicken tractor” structures, fertilize and disinfect the areas under the fruit trees.

The bees are welcomed onto the farm with a custodial approach. We seek to counter the tragic decline of native wild bees by using “top bar” hives, reducing their exploitation even if only for honey.

We adhere to the WWOOF network (www.wwoof.it): we have a room for welcoming, along with two nearby houses, which are about to be completed.

We offer spaces for associations and professionals to carry out their activities related to sustainability: courses to increase creativity, natural nutrition, bio-building, psychological and physical well-being…

We are a farm that bases its existence on relational exchange related, primarily, to the products we make, but which roots its foundations in hospitality among people.

All our activities connect man to the land:

• Courses for recognizing wild herbs and their use in cooking with walks in the farm, in the woods, and in neighboring areas
• Themed days for the valorization of the territory, our products, and activities (trekking, recognition and use of edible plants, beekeeping workshops, bio-building, soaps and DIY detergents)
• Practical workshops
• Courses in permaculture and pastoral breeding
• Re-valorization of the ancient “Wool Route”, recovering the very activity of transhumance, shearing, and wool processing
• Theater, music, art

…and much more