Before being a project, Autosufficienza was a silent intuition, born amongst the ruins and the desire to breathe life back into a forgotten place.
This is the story of a land that chose to flourish again, step by step, year after year, together with those who listened to it, cultivated it, loved it.
On 23rd December 2008, Autosufficienza Farm was founded by the Rosso family, owners of Macrolibrarsi.
Autosufficienza Farm purchased 70 hectares of land, the old stables and the ruins of Podere Caselle in the Paganico area of Bagno di Romagna.
No one had lived in the place for 50 years, there were no usable structures, except for an old stable with an asbestos roof which was immediately used as a storage facility and tool shed.
The journey starts uphill straight away, the Province of Forlì-Cesena denies the possibility of accessing the first settlement grant and the possibility of accessing financing for business improvement vanishes as the Province’s development priority is beef cattle farming, a sector not of interest to us
Francesco completes the PDC in Permaculture and enrols in the Italian Academy of Permaculture
The first Permaculture project is carried out thanks to designer Jhon Button. The project will then only be partially implemented
The business centre, which was overrun with weeds, has been cleared, pathways and access routes restored, and the site cleaned of plastic, iron and other waste
Observation of the site and learning
Beginning of the collaboration with Elena Parmiggiani, teacher of Permaculture and Synergistic Agriculture
Beginning of the collaboration with Jerry, who will become the custodian of the farm
Planting of the first orchard with 40 ancient apple varieties and 20 ancient pear varieties, surrounded by electric fencing, hedgerow and artificial nests to attract birds under the supervision of Eco-Conscious Agriculture expert Sergio Abram
Purchase of the first agricultural machinery and equipment, including tractor, quad bike, yeomans plough (special ripper), excavator, shredder…
Creation and planting of swales and ponds under the supervision of Permaculture designer Jhon Button
The autosufficienza.com website is launched
Planting of new fruit trees in the swales created in 2010
Disposal of the asbestos roof of a derelict barn
Construction of the compost toilette (dry toilet) and purchase/installation of the Yurt made self-sufficient with solar panel and micro wind turbine
Purchase and installation of temporary wooden cabins and gazebos dedicated to kitchen, bathrooms (with phytopurification) and outdoor dining/recreational area. Creation of the first temporary plumbing and electrical systems
First open day with presentation of the Autosufficienza Farm project
Delivery of the first courses and vegetable gardens in Eco-Conscious Agriculture and Livestock, Synergistic Agriculture, Permaculture and organised trip to Austria with Francesco’s idol: Sepp Holzer
Fencing of approximately 3 ha of land around the business centre made into enclosed grounds (not accessible to hunters, mushroom foragers…)
Construction of the first dry stone walls
Burial of 2 km of Enel and Telecom cables with terrible environmental impact
Abnormal wind blows off the roof of a wooden cabin which will be repositioned differently
Anomalous snowfall collapses the asbestos roof of the stable used for equipment storage
Construction of dry stone walls, fencing and pathways
Construction of the company centre pond (now covered in water lilies) and the pond for the geese
Renovation of the cellar to store food and seeds
Construction of a synergistic vegetable garden at the nursery school in San Piero in Bagno
Hemp insulation and 100% LED strip lighting for the wooden cabin provisionally used as a kitchen
Construction during a course of the “Tricheco”: the cob oven, and related shelter
Enrolment of Autosufficienza Farm with the WWOOFing Italia Association and beginning of collaboration with the first WWOOFers
Beginning of collaboration with Andrea for the management of the vegetable gardens
Construction of terracing and dry stone walls
Jude and Michel Fanton, authors of the book “Manuale per salvare i semi dell’orto e la biodiversità”, visit the farm
Establishment of an experimental “food forest” area
Evocative hand harvesting of the ancient “gentil rosso” wheat
Construction of the new rural aqueduct system in Paganico and a new system for the storage and distribution of water for agricultural use
At 17 years of age, Lilla, the farm’s Maremma sheepdog, passes away. Bill and Sepp, 2 very young Maremma sheepdogs, arrive
A farm path collapses. Capture of the spring causing the hydrogeological instability, construction of drainage systems and water channelling
Planting of a landslide-prone area
Grafting of wild apple, pear and cherry trees
Installation of the greenhouse for use as a seedbed
Commencement of restoration works on the stone ruin
Internet connection arrives at the farm
Creation of terracing in multiple areas of the farm
Beginning of vegetable production for the Macrolibrarsi shop
Beginning of aromatic herb production
First harvest of ancient grains and spelt
Creation of an experimental mound garden
Goats arrive, joining cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, doves and pigs
Establishment of the first food forest
The first packaged products from the Farm: flour, pasta, barley and lentils
The first 3 university internships from the Faculty of Agriculture
2 white doves arrive spontaneously and settle at the Fattoria
Abundant production of potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, courgettes, salads, chard, onions, turnips, garlic, green beans, beans, leeks, chicory, celery…
First harvest of naked barley, hulled barley and lentils
Beginning of the collaboration with the Filo di Paglia architecture studio
Completion of the external renovation works on the stone ruin
Emile and Elisa arrive at the Fattoria
New website for the Fattoria in Italian and English
Completion of the renovation works on the stone ruin and arrangement of the outdoor areas
Presentation of the general project for the renovation and construction of the new business centre
Launch of the first bio-intensive vegetable garden at the Fattoria
First self-production and self-sufficiency courses
Seminar with Peter Wohlleben
Sepp Holzer spends a week at the Fattoria for consultation and a course open to the public
Creation of terraces with Sepp Holzer
Opening of the farm stay
Start of mixed cultivation on terraces of vegetables, fruit plants, berries and aromatic herbs
First renovation works on the warehouse
Landscape architecture and lots of flowers
Opening of the farm shop
Construction of the new gate and entrance
New ventilation system for the cellar
New aqueduct
New coach park and dry-stone wall
New chestnut palisade
First trials of meals for ceremonies and companies
Construction of a canopy with wooden shingle roof
The bees arrive, 36 hives
Large organic fertilisation of arable land with volcanic rock and organic manure
Many new fruit plants
Sowing of a mixed crop of 10 ancient grains
Ivano arrives at the Farm for the agricultural side and Franca for the kitchen
A year that sadly we will also remember for the serious damage caused by the summer drought, strong winds and prolonged frost.
Establishment of the first experimental vineyard on terraces with 150 vines including Ciliegiuolo, Merlot and Chardonnay
Andrea arrives at the farm for the agricultural side and Simona, Giulia and Anita for the agritourism
New platform for the Yurt
Renovation of the barn into a workshop, storage area, greenhouse and multipurpose spaces. Finally the farm is asbestos-free
Experimental hemp seed plantation
Launch of essential oil, aromatic water and honey production
The dwarf sheep (Skudde) arrive
Construction of a super henhouse for free-range chickens
Creation of a new cob oven
Creation of new water retention basins
Opening of the kitchen every summer weekend
A year that we will unfortunately also remember for the passing of Ivana (mother of the family), Sepp (one of the 2 famous big white dogs) and Luciano (builder/artist who worked frequently at the farm from 2014 onwards).
Transplanting of fruit trees, ancient cultivars, in the swales between the arable fields
New planting of true lavender for essential oil production
New terracing for the new eco-sustainable agri-campsite
Construction with wood, straw bales and lime-hemp of the octagonal temple to host retreats for reconnection with oneself and nature
Construction with wood, straw bales and lime-hemp of the central structure of the agri-campsite
Mia (mixed-breed dog) arrives at the Farm along with her 9 puppies
Marzia arrives for reception and dining room management
Creation in the woods of an area dedicated to primitive survival courses in collaboration with Lato Selvaggio
The basins created in 2018 take shape and vitality
Creation of new outdoor spaces for use by the farm’s guests
New fencing for sheep and development of the chicken coop for happy hens
Improvement of the Farm’s entrance with a new rammed earth wall built during the workshop with Sigi Koko and finished by Filo di Paglia
First honey production: wildflower, lime and chestnut
First Celtic wedding
New mandala in the geodesic hall
We have the honour of hosting a workshop by Franco Berrino
An important video is created telling the story of Macrolibrarsi, the Farm and the philosophy of the family managing these projects
The Farm becomes a space for retreats also for external organisations
Improved vegetable production in bio-intensive farming
“I Custodi della Terra” is born, a community that will often gather at the Fattoria
The health dictatorship begins, which will not affect the place in any way, remaining a happy island where people continue to live in a human manner
Paola takes charge of the reception and hospitality of the agriturismo
Inauguration of the agri-campsite and the octagonal temple
Marble hob for pizza
The first Yurt moves to the campsite
The survival space is built in the woods
Amur carp arrive for the lake
During the summer, the first aperitif-dinners with concerts are organised
Agricultural activity grows in the vegetable gardens and arable land
The first permanent residents of the agri-campsite arrive
At the end of 2020, Andrea, who oversaw agriculture for 3 years, and Marzia and Simona, who worked in the agriturismo for 2 years, will leave the Fattoria
Arios is born at home, son of Giulia and Francesco, the first child to be born in Paganico after 50 years and in the municipality of Bagno di Romagna after 30 years.
Just 6 months later, Orlando is also born at the Farm, son of Beatrice and Stefano and brother of Bernardo.
The legendary Franca retires and will be replaced by Camillo
First edition of Autosufficienza Live
The wandering market arrives at the Farm
Serena also arrives in the dining room, Paola in housekeeping and Carlo in agriculture
First harvests and distillations of aromatic plants
The brand new Tiny House arrives at the farm camping
New terracing and new water collection basin
Well to have more water available for the vegetable gardens
New water collection tanks
40 nights of fire circles to bring light in a dark moment for humanity
Installation of new photovoltaic panels and 66kw battery bank
Sandro and Enrico arrive as woofers who will become full-time collaborators at the Farm in the following years
A year that unfortunately we will also remember for the passing of Jerry (first guardian of the place) and Armando (the Farm’s mascot pig).
Transplanting Sangiovese vine cuttings in the new terraces
Sewage tank for the campsite
Connection of well to lake
New fencing
Natural swimming pool
Improvement of water collection basins
Distillation laboratory
Seedbed
For the first time this season we begin to be a significant team: Francesco (caretaker and coordinator), Paola (reception), Enrico (agriculture), Sandro (agriculture and dining room), Tommy (events and all-rounder), Camillo and Gian (kitchen), Paola and Mary (rooms), Francesca (dining room), Mirco and Ivano (construction sites and maintenance) + the various residents, relatives and woofers in support
The pizza becomes gourmet
Solar panel system with batteries for energy self-sufficiency
The first event of the Vivi l’Autosufficienza format and of inspirational tourism
The first fasting retreat and the first detox holiday
New irrigation system for 7,000 metres of terraced vegetable gardens
Closure with sliding glass panels of the oven area
During the summer of 2022, for the first time in 8 years (the stone structure construction site started in 2014), there is no longer an invasive building site underway. Harmony and beauty begin to be found in every corner and it is difficult to find anything that jars
Thanks to Enrico’s work and Matteo Mazzola’s consultancy, the fertility of the soil grows visibly
First large harvest of true lavender
An excellent chickpea harvest
New tanks for a further storage of 48,000 litres of water for gravity-fed irrigation
The first bunches of grapes
The first 50-seater bus reaches the Fattoria
The first financial statement not showing a loss since the beginning of the story
The first educational activities for children
The beginning of the geodesic dome and the treatment cabin
Purchase of 20ha and neighbouring lands of Monte Frullo
Matteo, Jade, Ilaria, Sonia, Arianna, Elena, Desy, Andrea, Sandro, Enrico, Lorena, Tommaso, Stefano, Ivano, Franca, Francesco and Giulia the new Autosufficienza team
A severe landslide near the campsite is cleared
New charging station for electric cars
Renovated flat for speaker accommodation
The first Sangiovese vineyard on terraces grows and takes shape
Excellent compost production thanks to the machinery prototyped by Enrico
New children’s area with slides and games near the natural swimming pool
Starting with 1.8% organic matter in the vegetable garden, we reach 5.5% thanks to regenerative agriculture practices
Hard work in the woods and lavender field
The pumping system with solar pump is created for water from the Luna spring, downstream from the farm centre
A new pitch is built to accommodate staff camper vans and WWOOFers
The first Macrolibrarsi Fest at the Cesena trade fair. For the occasion, we create what will be voted the most beautiful stand at the fair, entirely in natural chestnut. With the poles returned from the fair, we build a pergola in the food forest
The greenhouse is restructured to better withstand the wind
A further 20 hectares of adjoining land purchased with 1,300 sq m of ruins. This is where the residential ecovillage for workers will be built
Work proceeds on the geodesic dome
A yurt arrives just for the children
With Remigio Bordini, the project begins to create a new wine unique in the world
An epic winter snowshoe trek by the staff
120 events planned during the year and open 7 days a week: midweek and weekend courses, awakening activities every morning, restaurant and bio bar always open, 3 guided tours per week
Development of the staff area
2 new yurts in the farm camping
A new greenhouse for animals
New terracing for
Sweat lodge
Born at the Farm, at home: Athena, first daughter of Tommaso and Francesca, and Luna, second daughter of Francesco and Giulia
Sonia, Desy, Sandro, Aron, Davide, Mauro, Valentina, Lorena, Tommaso, Stefano, Alessio, Ivano, Franca, Francesco and Giulia the new Autosufficienza team. Mirco returns mid-season.
Enrico leaves us after 3 years of great work and development of the agricultural side and the Berlini/Pacchioni family leaves the farm camping although they will continue to collaborate
Birth of the community project dedicated to new moons with webinars throughout the winter
A caravan with entrance porch is renovated and converted into staff accommodation
Apollo and Adora (2 Romagnolo donkeys) arrive and Fiore is born
The first events calendar strongly oriented towards the regeneration of mankind in a place where the land is regenerated
Renewal of the shop
An important area around a ditch is cleared to clean it and to improve the intake of the luna spring as well as create an excellent environment for the donkeys to graze
Planting begins in the second vineyard, a special grape variety unique in the world
The lawn around the temple is renovated with irrigation and automatic mowing
The space around the swimming pool is enlarged by moving the yurt, creating an embankment and therefore a new beautiful lawn on which the sauna will also be positioned
The trampoline arrives in the children’s area
Renovation of the Bosco studio flat after accidental flooding
The breta tiny house finally has its own private bathroom
In the vegetable gardens, paper mulching is successfully experimented with
Francesco visits Sekem, a sustainable development project linked to anthroposophy in Egypt and gathers many insights as well as great energy for the future of Autosufficienza
Work begins to restore the roads and ponds in the upper farmland
Work begins to build a sunken canopy with chestnut poles in the vegetable gardens to create a vegetable washing area and tool storage
The team grows and becomes more structured. Sonia, Desy, Sandro, Aron, Andrea, Jane, Lorena, Tommaso, Stefano, Nikita, Mirco, Miriam, Sharon, Francesca, Ivano, Franca, Francesco and Giulia the new Autosufficienza team
Catering for courses and retreats becomes buffet-style with a new table crafted by Ivano at the centre of the agriturismo dining room
Launch of the Ambassador project
First digital detox
First weekend dedicated to Autosufficienza speakers
First Macrolibrarsi experience
The earth oven is renovated
The Chicken tractor comes into use to move our 60 hens
The greenhouse in the vegetable garden is completed, a work of art
Using advanced lidar technology, all the farm’s land up to the ridge is mapped with the aim of managing the water of the entire mountain through roads, terracing and lakes in Sepp Holzer style
Work proceeds on increasing the vines in the vineyard, surpassing one hectare
Around the sauna, a chestnut wood work of art for the new shower
Research begins to start raising Highland cattle in 2026 with the aim of maintaining the pastures and soil fertility by halting the advance of the woods
The largest tomato harvest ever
Research begins for water at Monte Frullo, a prerequisite for the residential Ecovillage project for workers
Two new hectares ploughed and prepared for vineyard with fencing
Two new hectares not far from the farm centre cleared and made suitable for grazing
Work begins on the construction of the new large property complex that will house the medical spa, new rooms and hospitality spaces. Starting with the car park
Mia and Bill, two Maremma sheepdog, pass away. Bill in particular lived at the farm since 2013, practically witnessing its birth.
Kenia is born, with her there are 5 children in exactly 5 years (9 January 2021 – 9 January 2026)
New autosufficienza.it website and new booking management system
Birth of the Linfa retreat project
Work continues on land restoration, water regulation from the ridge and restoration of the farm’s road network
Earthworks for the new car park and surrounding areas are completed
Further development of the vineyard with a new plot
The first Highland cattle arrive to take care of our pastures
Still open as a B&B
Work begins to build a Hobbit House
Completion of the renovation project of the 1,400 sq m of demolished stables with earth-ship dedicated to medical spa and new hospitality spaces
Energy self-sufficiency thanks to photovoltaic and hydroelectric production.
Development of the residential eco-village, school and theatre
Autosufficienza Farm becomes a World Heritage Site and a model of lifestyle and community
Return to living in balance and harmony with nature
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