Ager Oliva is a start-up based in Tuscany, surrounded by hills and centuries-old olive groves, reviving abandoned land with an innovative and sustainable approach. Founded by Tommaso Dami, Ana Soto and Cosimo Lunetti, this agricultural start-up combines rural regeneration, organic olive farming and an original business model tailored to engage individuals and companies.
The core of the business is twofold. On the one hand, the olive tree adoption service: anyone who wishes to do so can adopt a tree or an entire olive grove, while Ager Oliva takes care of all agricultural operations, from pruning to harvesting. At the end of the season, adopters receive their organic extra virgin olive oil, the result of a process that combines tradition and craftsmanship. On the other hand, the start-up produces and markets high-quality organic extra virgin olive oil, both for retail sale and as a sustainable corporate gift.
Another pillar of the model is the relationship with landowners. Many olive groves in Tuscany are at risk of abandonment, as they are too expensive and complex to manage. Ager Oliva offers them a lease agreement that turns this problem into an opportunity: the company takes on all maintenance, the owner receives financial compensation and the land returns to productivity, preventing degradation and promoting agricultural regeneration. The founders believe this is a win-win situation that enhances local resources.
However, challenges remain: climate change is a growing obstacle. Hotter summers, droughts and extreme temperatures make olive trees more vulnerable, with consequences for production and crop quality. “We work exclusively organically, without chemicals,” explains Ana Soto, marketing manager at Ager Oliva. “This allows us to obtain the highest quality oil – recognised by international awards and guides – but it involves higher management costs and increasing operational complexity.”
Through partnerships with Calzedonia, Steve Madden and Credit Agricole, and in collaboration with Salviamo gli Ulivi ODV, a non-profit organisation associated with local municipalities and cooperatives, Ager Oliva has saved 5,000 trees from abandonment and planted 2,000 new olive trees to date.
Name:
Ager Oliva
Website:
Sector:
Agriculture
Plus:
Maintenance of abandoned olive groves under a lease agreement with the landowners
Features:
Platform for the adoption of abandoned olive groves in Tuscany and the production of organic oil
Cover: Envato image