Il Rosmarino was born from Piergiorgio and his partner Cristina’s dream to create a space for ecological experimentation and community living away from the hectic pace of the city. Nestled in Marcon, near Venice, this teaching farm and ecovillage spans 20 hectares of land dedicated mainly to organic farming, including vegetables and cereals. Piergiorgio’s vision, inspired by his childhood experiences straddling industrialization and the peace of the countryside, has blossomed into a place where people can live in harmony with Nature and each other.

Life at Il Rosmarino

Daily life at Il Rosmarino revolves around a deep sense of community. With three apartments available, the farm currently hosts up to eight people, with plans to add mobile homes for new residents and visitors. The community welcomes families, young people, adults, groups, and associations, creating an inclusive space that aims to strengthen social ties through shared activities and common spaces. It’s a place to connect, collaborate, and be part of something bigger.

A Biodiverse Orchard

One of Il Rosmarino’s gems is its biodiverse orchard, featuring ancient fruit tree varieties that help sustain biodiversity. Each tree is a connection to the past and a commitment to the future. Piergiorgio personally planted many of these trees, creating an ecosystem that not only produces fruit but also provides a habitat for countless species, enhancing the soil health and balancing the ecosystem.

A Teaching Farm

But there’s more! Il Rosmarino is also a refuge for animals: over twenty, including horses, goats, and sheep, who live peacefully alongside the residents. These animals aren’t raised for food; they’re cherished companions who add richness to daily life.

To welcome schools and families, Il Rosmarino has developed a teaching farm program. Through educational paths, children and adults can learn about the plant and animal kingdoms ethically. Each day brings new discoveries, like hatching chicks or the growth of bonds between animals, helping everyone rediscover the deep connection between people and Nature.

Civic Agriculture and Permaculture

Il Rosmarino truly believes in the importance of direct connections between producers and consumers. This is why they promote environmental and social sustainability through a civic agriculture model: no middlemen, just passionate people sharing the fruits of their labor! Each interaction becomes a chance to build a community grounded in respect for nature and for each other.

At Il Rosmarino Social Bio Farm, farmers and citizens work together to produce genuine farm-to-table food through organic farming and permaculture methods. This approach values the land, strengthens social ties, fosters environmental sustainability, and makes the community more self-sufficient and resilient.

A Journey of Growth and Learning

Beyond cultivating the land, Il Rosmarino is a place of personal and collective growth and learning. Cristina, who spent most of her life in the city, found an opportunity here to learn, share, and embrace a new way of life, showing that transformation is possible at any stage.

To encourage this exchange of knowledge, the community offers learning opportunities for all ages, organizing courses, workshops, and events to share practical skills like animal care, sustainable farming, and self-sufficiency.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

At Il Rosmarino, every decision—big or small—is geared toward minimizing the environmental impact and promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Water management, for example, follows a circular model, where every drop is carefully collected and reused. High-efficiency wood stoves keep spaces warm in winter, and solar panels provide clean energy. It’s a small yet significant example of sustainable living, built on respect for nature’s rhythms and reducing each person’s ecological footprint.

Solidarity Economy at Il Rosmarino

At Il Rosmarino, the solidarity economy is a deliberate and cherished choice. Work here is a shared and valued resource, relying on craftsmanship, organic farming, and wise use of local resources.

The farm produces as much as it can on its own, offering work opportunities to community members while keeping reliance on the outside market to a minimum. This model not only strengthens internal bonds but also creates an economy that puts people and the environment at the very core.

Visiting or Volunteering

Every weekend, Fattoria Il Rosmarino offers guided tours for those who wish to discover the project. Additionally, Il Rosmarino hosts regular open days and themed educational events, designed to give a deeper look into the ecovillage’s initiatives and vision.

An Ecovillage Looking for New Members

Currently, Il Rosmarino hosts a core group of five residents, but the project is growing. The community is actively seeking people ready to join this dream of ecology, inclusion, and harmony with Nature.

To welcome new members, Il Rosmarino has created a gradual path, starting with a trial period as a volunteer. By joining WWOOF Italia, visitors can stay at the farm for at least two weeks, sharing in the daily work and learning about the community. If the experience proves positive, it’s possible to extend the stay and develop specific projects or personal passions, becoming a vital part of the ecovillage’s evolution.

In a Nutshell

Fattoria Il Rosmarino is a social farming and community living project in Marcon, Venice, embracing sustainability, learning, and meaningful relationships. Founders Piergiorgio and Cristina believe deeply in the transformative power of connecting with Nature and organize educational paths through their teaching farm, as well as volunteer experiences, to contribute to the evolution of their wonderful ecovillage.