Our story
the origin of our passion
Once upon a time...
It was in 2016 when Lesley and Hans Peter discovered Puglia for the first time. A cultural visit to Matera and the surrounding landscape led them to return on several occasions to learn more about the region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fertile soil. Captivated by the rugged and unspoiled coastline that reminded Lesley of her summers growing up in Massachusetts, the couple began to dream of owning land in the region.
35 years at Nestlé allowed Hans Peter to witness the determination and potential of small farmers around the globe. This inspired him to sow the seeds of a project close to his heart – it was the vast and untapped potential of the landscape in Puglia that guided him towards realizing his dream, and Agricola dell’Orso was born in 2018.
“Building a sustainable farm from the ground up was no small task. We embraced traditional farming practices passed down through generations, while integrating innovative techniques to ensure our methods remain environmentally friendly. From crop rotation and composting to renewable energy solutions, every step we take is guided by our commitment to sustainability.”
A JOURNEY TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE
“At Agricola dell'Orso, we care about soil health, biodiversity and environmental resilience."
Our project thrives on collaboration with small farmers. Born and raised in Puglia, our farm-hands Mauro Caramia and Filiberto Erario manage daily farm operations. They are our backbone at Agricola dell’Orso and together we build strong connections with other local farmers and artisans, sharing knowledge and passion.
This teamwork extends to promoting our products together, both locally and on an international level. We believe that the land’s true richness comes from its diversity and that unity makes us stronger. Supporting and engaging with the local community is at the core of everything we do. Together, we cultivate more than exceptional products—we nurture a shared heritage.
Action today for impact tomorrow
Creating a biodiverse, self-sufficient farm
As promoters of progressive agriculture, we are committed to respecting the most rigorous standards to produce exceptional olive oil, wine and agricultural products – we are proud to be ambassadors of Italian taste.
This ambitious goal is nurtured by organic and regenerative farming practices, with the utmost respect for the environment. Our priority is to improve soil health and maximize biodiversity, promising nutritious, tasty products. Transparency and traceability are the keywords of our approach, from the soil to your table.
