Agritourismo

 The weekend concluded with an afternoon with friends. Lunch. That lasted almost four hours. No, we were not eating that whole time. The extended lunch in Italy is not all about consuming food.  It's about something so much better. It's about talking and laughing and just being with people you like.  There's a bunch of wine too. And, yes, the food is very, very good.

An "agriturismo" is, by definition, a farm where you can stay on holiday. Agrotourism involves any agriculturally based operations or activities that brings visitors, benefitting both owner and visitor. The word is a combo of the Italian words "agricoltura" and "turismo". The farms in Italy are vastly different from those in the U.S. Much less acreage is found here. As the tiny farms, once used to provide sustainability for families as well as an income, proceeded into modern times, farmers could not make ends meet. Sadly, many farmers were forced to leave their homes and move to cities. Generations of Italians became concerned about the disappearance of the farming culture so that in 1985 the Italian government officially recognized the term "Agritoursimo"allowing farms to remain somewhat operational.

But, alas, there are rules.

An agriturismo has to be a working farm. The production of oil, meats, or grains, along with smaller items such as vegetables and herbs, is required.

Second, the products that are produced must be used in preparation of the food for the guests. Most agriturismi also sell their products to guests. The more income generated, the more tourism activities they are allowed to provide (more rooms to rent).  The number of rooms is limited, not usually luxurious but not lacking in hospitality and graciousness. Locations are outside of cities, outside of town walls.  Silence, beauty and nature abound. A good view oftentimes is part of the day. 

Our friend Eddie runs a beautiful agriturismo just outside of Assisi. It's called"Agriturismo Podere La Fornace".  Eddie is an American who has lived in Italy for many years. His wife, Silvia, is German. She also runs a tourist accommodation, hers, a B&B, also on the outskirts of central Assisi. They both work very hard at what they do. 

So, yesterday, Mark and Giselle picked us up, along with another American ex-pat friend, and we all had a lovely Umbrian lunch at the agriturismo, joined by Graham Hofmann (the author of Lorenzo's Vest) and his lovely friend Patricia. And,while there were sausages involved in the fare, they did not come from pigs raised at La Fornace. The only thing raised at La Fornace are glasses of wine! But, in order to comply with the government regulation and operate as an agriturismo, Eddie does claim ownership to two local swines, never to be consumed by his guests. He's in compliance. Comforting to know and....comforting to those who chose the salsicce for their main course.