Exploring the poetry found in life
With Their Hands in the Earth
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 uninhabitable 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, romanticised. 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.
The industrialisation of agriculture, the commodification of nature, and the rise of mechanised farming have gradually emptied the countryside. Countless farming families have witnessed younger generations leave, breaking with tradition and abandoning rural life. Yet, in the face of mounting challenges—climate change, environmental degradation, and the loss of biodiversity—signs of a renewed connection to the land are emerging once more.
Elena and Luca represent a growing movement of mostly young individuals who envision alternative pathways for producing, distributing, and consuming food. Guided by a strong sense of social responsibility, they willingly set aside potentially more lucrative careers and accept greater risks in pursuit of a different way of life—one that seeks to address and heal the environmental harms caused by profit-driven human activities. Their commitment is rooted 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.
