How did it start?
It started since I was a baby. I have a wonderful father and grandfather who taught me to respect nature. You have to see my home; I’ve spent my life close to nature.

Why grow your own food?
The diversity, the organic produce and the freshness. Everyone was just doing the same global techniques, but I realized that what we were missing was the farm concept. And in Italy, we have four seasons, and each time of the year, nature gives you different products. I give guests what I feel when I go outside.

What are the difficulties?
Growing something of great quality takes a lot of experience. You have to focus on it every day. When you’re young, you don’t understand it, but as you get older, you appreciate the value more. And sometimes, the organic products don’t come out like GMO [genetically modified organisms] ones, which are all the same size, same color, and grow four times faster.

Do Europeans understand the farm-to-table ethos?
I would say yes, if you compare it with 20 years ago. I personally care a lot about what I eat, but today people live fast-paced, stressful lives. You eat fast food, stuff like McDonald’s. Please don’t go there. There are wonderful products and better options available.