Manifesto of the sustainable farm

At Il Cerreto we have chosen to be organic and sustainable out of respect for nature and those who live in it. From the activities of the organic farm to hospitality at the farm stay and the restaurant, everything follows a green philosophy aimed at maintaining a balance with the environment, minimising the impact of our actions on it. Our manifesto of the sustainable farm sets out our commitment in this regard.

Room for sustainable cultivation

Ours is an organic and biodynamic farm, based on a cultivation method that uses no chemical fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides, using only natural substances. The soil is fertilised with organic matter and, when necessary, crops are protected only with plant, animal or mineral substances, such as plant extracts, beneficial insects that prey on pests, and rock flour.

We also cultivate biodiversity, reviving ancient varieties that adapt well to the local microclimate and, being hardier, need fewer treatments. We do not over-exploit soil and water and we respect the processes and rhythms of nature. The result is high-quality organic and biodynamic products that retain all their nutritional value. We are ICEA certified for organic farming and Demeter for biodynamic products.

A sustainable holiday is possible

The organic farm stay Il Cerreto is part of the Biohotels network, carefully assessed and certified accommodation that upholds the values of organic and offers guests a truly sustainable holiday.

The accommodation has been refurbished according to green building criteria, as have the bioshop and the course room. Guests who choose to stay in our rooms or apartments find eco-friendly furnishings on arrival, with natural paints; mattresses are organic and hand-sewn, as are our pillows: you can also choose between those filled with natural latex, millet husks or spelt. The toiletries line is Cosmos Organic certified and includes only organic cosmetic products; toilet paper is made from recycled paper and soap dispensers reduce single-use packaging and plastic use. All our organic products then go from field to table at our 100% organic restaurant, where at breakfast, lunch and dinner guests can enjoy dishes prepared by our cooks.

The activities of our organic restaurant also embrace the sustainable philosophy that sets us apart:

• in our recipes we respect the seasonality of produce, choosing the ingredients that our fields offer us month by month
• we work to reduce food waste: in our kitchens food is unpackaged and guests who wish can take leftovers away in doggy bags
• when we serve food we do not produce ourselves, we always choose strictly organic and as much as possible local

Minimal waste in every activity

Visitors can see for themselves how much we focus on limiting the amount of waste we produce and avoiding excessive use of plastic. At the bioshop, for example, we provide purified water so you can refill your reusable bottles, and in every area, including the restaurant, we prefer glass. We promote recycling at every level, from guest rooms to the offices, where we optimise digital filing. We also ensure proper disposal of highly polluting waste such as used toner, oil and batteries.

Reduced emissions and energy saving

To reduce energy consumption for our activities we take a number of measures that our guests are also encouraged to follow when possible.

• Most of the energy we use comes from our solar panels, giving us 60% self-sufficiency, while the rest is purchased from a supplier that offers energy from renewable sources only.
• We are committed to saving water by collecting rainwater to irrigate the vegetable gardens and fields; taps, including in the rooms, have flow restrictors to reduce waste.
• The apartments are not air-conditioned: the thick walls of the historic building keep them naturally cool and pleasant in summer. Common areas have timed lighting.
• One of the goals of our sustainable farm is to reduce CO2 emissions: we have therefore installed a reverse-flame wood boiler with a special probe that monitors carbon dioxide emissions. Our carbon footprint is measured by the German certifier Fokus Zukunft GMBH & CO. KG.

Care for the land and for people

The organic farm stay Il Cerreto is a biodynamic oasis where plants, animals and people are connected in a constant balance. Environmental sustainability cannot exist without social sustainability.

• We care for the land that hosts us: we preserve it and help to develop and promote it, including through public initiatives and participation in fairs.
• We choose suppliers as local as possible for our supplies, to support local businesses and limit emissions from transporting goods.
• We involve our staff so they share our philosophy. When possible we organise team-building activities that improve cohesion and help us work together towards a common goal.
• We are committed to genuine social engagement with local associations that work on important issues.