Over the course of a year, I have periodically visited a vegetable farm set up by a young couple at the foot of the Apennines south of Parma. Their farm shop is steadily gaining popularity among locals while an old, yet not habitable house, is being renovated and envisioned as a future hub for community gatherings and activities.

Elena and Luca made a lifestyle choice that could easily, but should not be, romanticized. Their days are defined by hard work and ambitious goals. Operating with limited resources, they dedicate themselves to careful research, seeking innovation through the revival of ancient crop varieties and traditional farming methods. This approach is rooted in their drive for a more sustainable agriculture, a deeper relationship with those who eat what they grow, and the nurturing of a vibrant community.

Elena and Luca represent a growing movement of mostly young individuals who envision alternative pathways for producing, distributing, and consuming food, in the belief that meaningful change within our food systems is possible, and that it can begin with conscious choices made at the local level.