The History
The Evolution of Italian Farms
Over the centuries, Italian farms have experienced an extraordinary transformation. From 1500 to the present day, the agricultural world has gone through epochal changes, moving from traditional methods to modern, sustainable practices.
In this fascinating context, the Rende farm is a unique reality that combines the authenticity of its origins with the innovation of the contemporary era.
Traditional agriculture in the past
Italian agriculture was still deeply rooted in traditional practices. Working animals, such as oxen and horses, were valuable allies in ploughing the fields and tilling the soil. Grain was harvested manually, with sickles and reapers playing a crucial role.
The advent of mechanisation
With the arrival of the 20th century, the agricultural sector underwent a revolution thanks to mechanisation. The first tractors replaced work animals, making field cultivation more efficient and speeding up agricultural processes. This era led to a significant increase in production and laid the foundations for modern agriculture.
The Harmony of Past and Future
The Rende farm has embraced progress without ever losing sight of its identity rooted in the land. In the context of an increasingly industrialised agriculture, we have chosen to dedicate ourselves to organic farming. The use of modern tractors has allowed us to farm more efficiently, but with respect for our land and its biodiversity.
Today, as we look to the future, we carry on the legacy of our predecessors. We are witnessing change in the agricultural world, but we maintain our passion and respect for the land that saw us grow up. Modernity blends with tradition as we continue to farm with dedication and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.
In this vision, we have embraced innovation to further optimise our farming practices. The introduction of drones, for example, allows us to fly over fields and collect detailed data. This technology helps us assess crop health and monitor the soil. This advanced approach allows us to make more informed decisions, optimise the use of resources and minimise environmental impact.
So, as we carry on our connection to the past, we walk into the future with the knowledge that innovation and sustainability will lead the way for the next generations at Rende Farm.
Browse through historical photographs
As a company with a long history and tradition, we realise the importance of preserving our heritage and sharing it with present and future generations. This collection of historical images is more than just a journey through time; it is a tribute to the roots from which we grew up and a testimony to the evolution we have gone through.
Images are subject to copyright and legal protection. If you wish to use or distribute any of the restored vintage photos please contact us at info@AziendaAgricolaRende.it to obtain permission. Respecting copyright is essential to ensure our continued commitment to sharing this precious history.
In addition to period photographs, we are also committed to digitising old documents and books in our possession to make them accessible to all.
Durum wheat cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production
The cultivation of Durum wheat has become one of our main activities. We use modern sowing machines and combine harvesters to optimise production. Every step, from sowing to harvesting, is carefully executed to preserve the quality of our grain.
The production of extra virgin olive oil is an equally meticulous process. From pruning to harvesting, we follow the traditions of the region to ensure a delicious and authentic oil. Modern cold presses and extraction machines allow us to obtain an oil extra virgin di alta qualità.
A brief historical note on the town of Tarsia
Tarsia is undoubtedly one of the oldest villages in the middle Crati valley at an altitude of 208 metres. On a rocky spur at the far end of the town are the remains of a Norman castle and, further north, a tower from the same era guarding the territories of Sibari and the mouth of the Crati.
However, the initial origins of Tarsia go back much further than the advent of the Normans and date back to the Bruzii. According to Barrio, Fiore and other writers, Tarsia corresponds to the ancient Bruzian town of Caprasya, or Caprisia or Caprese, which, however, was not located in the place where the town now stands, but in the present hamlet of Caselle and along the ancient Roman route from Morano Calabro to Cosenza, on the Mazzolino-Caselle Cona axis. It is likely, therefore, that it represented a supply station along the via Popilia
In truth, today's Tarsia, which dominates the long Crati valley to the south and also observes the Silan foothills in front, has medieval strategic characteristics. The Normans are considered the masters of such positions that they fortified with towers and castles. Consequently, the present location of the town has Norman origins.
In fact, Ferrante Della Marra, Duke of Guardia, says that 'antiquissimi et nobilissimi son quelli di Tarsia', and adds that the Tarsia family had built it in Norman times.
The Norman castle (now destroyed) witnessed important historical events such as the coming of Charles of Anjou and his court to Calabria (5 February 1271 and 26 June 1282). A document from 1374 speaks of the solemn celebration of the marriage between Wenceslaus Sanseverino, Count of Tricarico and Chiaromonte, and Margaret, daughter of Filippo di Sangineto, Count of Altomonte, which also took place in the Castle of Tarsia. Also from the Norman period is Boemondo, a Norman count of Tarsia and Manopello (d. 1157). Also from the Norman period is the construction of the Abbey of Santa Maria in Camigliano, a powerful and ancient Benedictine abbey whose presence is documented as far back as 1083. According to this documentation, it was Robert Guiscard himself who wanted it built on the remains of an ancient late Roman villa.
In the Middle Ages, with the beginning of feudalism, Tarsia attained a supremacy of considerable importance: it was elevated to County (only five in the whole of Calabria). This privilege was explained by its fortunate geographical position and vast possessions.
During the 14th century, the County of Tarsia passed to the Ruffo, the Sangineto, the Sanseverino and, finally, in 1606 to the Spinelli, who in 1642 gave it the title of principality.
Marco Aurelio Severino was born there in 1580. He was a physician, anatomist and writer, considered by current historiography to be the true founder of modern surgery and one of the most important scientists of his time.
In 1940, the Fascist regime established the largest and most important internment camp for foreign Jews, stateless persons and foreign citizens who were enemies of the regime in its hamlet of Ferramonti. The history of this camp is characterised by the humanity of the treatment the internees received and the human closeness with the population of the village of Tarsia, who tried by all means to alleviate the hunger and suffering of the prisoners.
Also within the territory of Tarsia is the presence of an important nature reserve area and the dam that creates an artificial basin for the irrigation of the Sibari plain.
At present, the town of Tarsia is located between the region's main road communication routes: the SS 19 (the old route built by Joachim Murat) and the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway where Tarsia has two exits.