The Self-Sufficiency Farm: An Oasis of Well-being and Sustainability
Imagine natural houses made of straw and hemp, herb gardens, relaxation areas surrounded by trees and lakes, natural farming, and homegrown healthy food. This dream has become a reality thanks to the Rosso family, founders of La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm), a place of hospitality, learning, and exchange nestled in the Romagna Apennines. In this article, we’ll explore the project and how it’s possible to live sustainably without sacrificing comfort and well-being.
The Story of La Fattoria dell’Autosufficienza
In 2009, instead of investing in a luxury villa or an expensive car with the capital earned from his business, Macrolibrarsi, Francesco Angelo Rosso and his family chose to invest in 88 hectares of land near Bagno di Romagna, in Forlì-Cesena, Italy. This area, abandoned for 40 years, was transformed into an inspiring example of sustainable living: La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm).
In a society increasingly dominated by a few multinationals prioritizing profits over the well-being of people and the planet, La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza was born as a "plan B for resilience." What was once barren land is now a regenerated organic farm and agritourism space, with forests, meadows, pastures, and 15 hectares of farmland, situated between 550 and 1050 meters above sea level.
The Rosso family’s mission? To be the change they want to see in the world, creating a space of inspiration and learning focused on permaculture, holistic well-being, and sustainability.
Water and Energy Self-Sufficiency
One of the main goals of La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm) is to achieve complete self-sufficiency in water and energy resources. Thanks to the natural springs on the property, the farm is entirely self-sufficient in water for both domestic use and for irrigating the gardens and orchards. A 12-kilowatt solar power system, combined with a 66 kg battery storage, ensures the farm can be energy-independent, only relying on the external grid in case of emergency.
Food Forest and Self-Sufficiency in Food
The farming approach at La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm), is equally innovative. Instead of using costly and polluting industrial techniques, they follow the food forest model, a low-impact system where nature takes care of itself with minimal human intervention. Thanks to it, they grow organic vegetables, fruit, berries, herbs, cereals, and legumes.
Though there is still some reliance on external food sources, particularly during lean harvest periods, the long-term goal is to achieve complete food self-sufficiency, with a focus on ancient preservation techniques and responsible use of wild resources.
Eco-Friendly Buildings
La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm) doesn’t just focus on food production and energy independence; it also embraces sustainable architecture. The farm buildings are constructed with natural materials like straw, lime, hemp, and clay, without complex or energy-intensive technologies.
Additionally, the farm uses a natural cooling system based on vents connected to underground pipes, capturing cool air from the forest. This simple technology keeps the interior spaces comfortable without the need for artificial air conditioning.
Workshops and Retreats
Through education and the exchange of knowledge, La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm) aims to be a source of inspiration for those looking to embrace a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
Participants can choose from a wide range of courses, workshops, and retreats on topics such as organic farming, permaculture, and food self-sufficiency, as well as training in natural building techniques and energy self-production.
In addition, La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza focuses on innovative practices for holistic well-being and healing techniques. These gatherings include everything from meditation and mindful breathing, to yoga, conscious movement, self-production, nutrition, and much more.
A Vision for a Widespread Community
Looking to the future, La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza envisions creating a resilient and ever-evolving community. The idea is to expand the self-sufficiency model into a broader widespread community project, developing a network of ecovillages connected within a territory where people can live in harmony with nature and in self-sufficiency.
In a Nutshell
La Fattoria dell'Autosufficienza (The Self-Sufficiency Farm), located near Bagno di Romagna, Italy, is an inspiring centre for learning and discovering how to live self-sufficiently and resiliently, without sacrificing comfort or beauty. Thanks to the creativity and determination of the Rosso family, this project has become a beacon of hope for those who dream of embarking on a path toward a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient way of life.