Marzia Di Pastina took on the challenge of revolutionizing her family’s agricultural business and making it more sustainable. She founded her own farm and is a member of the Cooperative San Lidano. LID.MAR. Farm spans over 20 hectares, with 7 hectares covered by multitunnel greenhouses. It specializes in growing leafy vegetables, baby leaf, endive, cabbages, savoy cabbage, leafy cabbage, turnip tops, watermelons, and pumpkins. To ensure safe and healthy products, the farm adheres to food safety standards and implements continuous monitoring of products and processes. Marzia has introduced a new approach to vegetable production for fresh-cut products based on feedback from retailers and consumers. Despite challenges posed by climate change, LID.MAR. Farm is developing sustainable growing systems, employing modern equipment, implementing drip irrigation, reducing chemical usage and fertilizers, and promoting biodiversity. In terms of sustainability, LID.MAR. Farm is registered in the National “Rete del Lavoro Agricolo di Qualità” (Quality Agricultural Work Network) and has obtained GlobalG.A.P. certification along with the G.R.A.S.P. Social Responsibility addon module. By integrating IPM systems and biotechnics such as Bacillus and Trichoderma spp., as well as practicing minimum tillage, the farm has managed to reduce chemical inputs by 40%. Environmental monitoring conducted over the first three years of operation revealed significant energy savings of over 60%, a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions, a 57% reduction in water consumption due to micro-irrigation systems, and a 60% reduction in waste through the reuse of vegetal waste as feed for local buffalo farms. These achievements have led to LID.MAR.’s certification as a Biodiversity Friend by the World Biodiversity Association.
LID.MAR. Farm actively participates in the San Lidano Cooperative Chain, which is certified by ISO 22005. This cooperative initiative supports sourcing criteria that prioritize local production and aims to enhance the economic value of its members’ products and the surrounding territory. Marzia has initiated several projects within the cooperative, including “ORTI LAZIALI,” a label that combines tradition and quality in horticulture, and “Cuore Rosso il Cocomero,” a premium brand for high-quality watermelons. Additionally, the cooperative has obtained BRC-ETRS (Ethical trade and responsible sourcing) certification, making it the world’s first fresh-cut company and food chain to achieve this recognition.
