Foodie In Florence: Fattoria Faggioli (Faggioli Farm)

This past week my fellow agriculture students and I spent four days on a farm in the Emilia Romangna region of Italy. Fattoria (Farm) Faggioli is a farm that not only creates different products like honey, wine, traditional bread, and teas, but they capitalize in agritourism.

They have done an amazing job in not only following sustainable practices but have created a booming business in a sector that isn't fully developed. Faggioli Farm uses wind and solar energy to run the farm and they produce enough energy to sell for profit. They also filter and capture rainwater to be used.

What I find to be the most incredible asset on their agritourism farm is how they incorporated a profitable business with sustainability. One of the reasons they have found so much success is because they grew beyond just selling products from the farm. People come for the whole experience of being out in the country, eating and drinking local and traditional cuisine, and partaking in the many outdoor activities Faggioli farm provides. Faggioli farm also teaches children in the local school system how to grow their own vegetables from seed and holds a school academy for sustainability. 

It is this profitable form of sustainable business that gives hope for future ventures. I would love to see something of this sort be implemented in town. Between our ocean and state park, local farmers' markets up and down the shore, and our very own vineyard we could be creating a substantial economic gain if we market Clinton as an agritourism destination. 

In the words of Mr. Faggioli's grandfather, "if you want something you've never had, you must do something you've never done."

Buon Appetito!