Tenuta di Paganico, The Ultimate in Animal Well-Being

The organic farm Tenuta di Paganico is located in the Grosseto area, on the doorstep of the Medieval village that bears the same name. Being it an antique agro and zootechnical reality, which is nowadays dynamic and active, it demonstrates how an advantageous production of meat is possible while still being respectful towards livestock, nature and territory.

Located on the doorstep of the homonymous village, in the Grosseto province, Tenuta di Paganico – once an old feud of the Aldobrandeschi family and Patrician marquis territory – is today an organic agro-zootechnical farm that extends across 1.500 hectares. Owned by the Uzielli family since 1922, it has been managed by Maria Novella Ulzielli since 2002, who has made business choices with respect of the organic and environment-friendly issues. The philosophy behind the management of Tenuta di Paganico is that of a reality that is established in the Maremma and Tuscan territory and presents itself as a place where traditions and environment are guarded. The Tenuta is in the biggest part left as woods, alternated by large grazing lands and arable lands. There are about 300 free-range beef cattles of the Maremmana, Chianina and Limousine breeds living here and also many heads of Cinta Senese, a local Tuscan pork breed, along with strong and agile Maremmana horses.

An organic beating heart – “What led me to this choice was certainly my big love for the land, in particular this piece of paradise where I hold many of my childhood memories” explains the young entrepreneur Maria Novella. “About fifteen years ago I decided to convert the farm to the “organic method”, breaking the company tradition that was marked by the “green revolution””. The road to organic entails a strongly binding activity, extremely demanding on the farm, which has decided to give up on a “quantity” production and focus on a quality that identifies and diversifies it. The awareness of being responsible for a huge heritage, that spans from the territory to the houses, from the actual cultivation to the livestock, is what stands at the base of this choice. In order to pursue this goal, a diversity of cultivations is promoted, many rare local species and woodlands are salvaged, spontaneous growing shrubs and stretches of water are protected. Synthetic chemical products are not used in any fertilization cycle, which at the same time eliminates any possible polluting source.

The “Opificio” and the learning farm – By means of an accurate renovation the farm has been provided with a modern transformation centre, called “opificio”, where all the processing of the meat of the animals born and bred in the farm is done, from butchery to finished product packaging, direct sales included. An efficient refrigerated shipping system allows to deliver this excellent meat to any home in Italy. Among the several breeds there are the antique Maremmana breed meat, a full and bright red coloured, with a fat content under 1,5%, but very flavourful and tender meat. Rich in unsaturated fat acids and mostly polyunsaturates (Omega-3 as well) and poor in saturated fat acids and cholesterol, it is great for fast cooking dishes, such as the traditional “fiorentina” steak, and it is excellent for boiled, braised and stewed recipes. To complete the offer of typical farming products, Tenuta di Paganico grows and processes grapes in about 3 hectares of Sangiovese, Colorino and Ciliegiolo varieties vineyards and olives that grow on the almost 850 olive trees on the property. The Tenuta is also provided with a learning farm that allows guests to participate in educational and fun activities. Those who stay here can in fact take part in the farming activities and appreciate the different jobs for a better understanding of the agricultural work, the natural ecosystem and the connection between man and the surrounding nature.