Young Women Revitalize Family Farms in Ravenna, Italy Amidst Landslide Challenges

Ravenna, Italy – March 19, 2026 – A wave of optimism is rising from the hills of Casola Valsenio, an area frequently impacted by landslides, as young women capture the reins of their family’s agricultural businesses. Despite the difficulties posed by the unstable terrain, these entrepreneurs are demonstrating resilience and innovation in preserving their heritage and fostering a sustainable future for the region’s agricultural landscape.

From Chestnuts to Cosmetics: Diversifying in the Face of Adversity

Several women are leading the charge in revitalizing these farms. Francesca Pifferi, 29, a graduate in Food Technology from Sant’Apollinare, is focusing on the commercialization of chestnut products. Cecilia Schiassi, 25, of Trario, shifted her focus to chestnut trees and horticultural products after landslides destroyed her currant and blueberry crops. Further afield, in San Rufillo, Genny Morara, 40, is cultivating snails for both cosmetic and food applications.

Tenute Tozzi: A Legacy Reimagined

Virginia Lo Rizzo, 33, manages ‘Tenute Tozzi’ in Renzuno, producing wine, oil and fruit. The farm benefits from a unique microclimate created by the Chalk Vein, which protects the land from fog and cold northern winds. Lo Rizzo took over the company after her grandfather, Franco Tozzi, founded it approximately ten years ago. He initially entrusted her with managing a small Sicilian company producing wine and oil on the slopes of Mount Etna before giving her control of the Casola Valsenio farm.

Award-Winning Olive Oil and Expanding Markets

Tenute Tozzi’s extra virgin olive oil has garnered recognition, receiving a maximum score of five drops from Bibenda magazine. Lo Rizzo presented her products, including the award-winning oil, alongside Manzoni Bianco PGI, Pinot Nero PGI, Merlot PGI, and Albana passito Docg wines at the ‘Il Cardello’ inn in Casola Valsenio. The company exports its wines to Los Angeles and Novel York, and Lo Rizzo recently participated in ‘Wine Paris,’ an international wine fair, where she secured agreements with American importers despite concerns about tariffs. The farm’s relatively small production of around 40,000 bottles appears to have been an advantage in these negotiations.

A Modern Agricultural Entrepreneur

Beyond managing production and marketing at Tenute Tozzi, Virginia Lo Rizzo actively participates in agricultural organizations. She serves as president of the Ravenna viticulture section of Confagricoltura and is a board member of ‘Sbarbatelle,’ an association of around one hundred female wine producers under the age of 40. Her multifaceted role exemplifies the spirit of a young and modern agricultural entrepreneur dedicated to preserving and enhancing the region’s agricultural heritage.