The co-operative project Ottomarzo (8 March) in the Verona region was originally set up by nine organic farmers in 1978. The joint activities centred on the ruins of an old property, which with great commitment was turned into a place for cultural events, an agriturismo with overnight accommodation facilities and a restaurant popular throughout the region. A cheese dairy was also set up for processing the milk produced by the co-operative members into yoghurt and cheese. The centuries-old terraced fields have blossomed again and meanwhile grow olive trees and wine for Valpolicella. The administrative authorities in the region now want to stop the whole project and sell the land, which is why wine importer Peter Riegel is looking for stakeholders.

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