Like most organic things, Terra Savia developed gradually as one thing led to another, starting with a dream and some vague ideas. First, there was the land, a few years of watching all sorts of creatures move in the tall grass and among the oaks and redwoods, then several trips to Calenzano, a small village Northwest of Florance, next came some olive trees, and after many long seasons, finally the fruit came. And then the honeybees, the vineyard, the olive mill, the tree nursery... And we're still experimenting and expanding.

But Terra Savia today, as a brand available to customers, does have a concept behind it. We want it to express our deepest held values and make these stand out as a statement about consumer choices.

First and foremost, we love local products for their superior quality, taste and freshness. Local means grown and produced locally, not strictly indigenous. Locally produced food is more nutritious because it does not deteriorate during months spent on diesel cargo ships and in warehouses before finally landing on your local store's shelf. It is questionable whether local foods confer higher immunity benefits, but it is certain that the production of foods destined for export puts the priority on extending shelf life at the cost of quality. For produce, this often results in a higher use of pesticides, fungicides, irradiation, and in overpackaging.

Why buy cheap, rancid or even fake olive oil made in Tunisia and packaged in Italy when there are dozens of great, award-winning Californian brands? The average consumer argues that pricing rules. The local producer argues apples and oranges. At any rate, the consumer buying imported food is ultimately losing out on quality and chooses to finance shipping, logistics, warehousing, and international business costs instead. Go figure...

Next, we love nature and wildlife. Terra Savia labels show various predators living on our land. The presence of wild predators proves that the food chain on our land is still complete. Nowadays, this is only possible through a deliberate effort to conserve and protect land. We do this by holding land (100 acres for every acre of our orchard, for a total of roughly 2500 acres), by keeping it undeveloped, and by letting nature runs its wild course on it.

Our integrated farming and limited cultivation provide pleasure and purpose for all involved, but also serve to finance our conservation plan. A portion of our revenues directly supports several wildlife rescue and conservation groups in the communities where we work and play. Ultimately though, every dollar earned with Terra Savia products goes back into the enterprise of protecting the wilderness and the natural state of our land. In a world developing too fast for its own good, we see this as a crucial measure against the disappearance of essential things like fresh air, clean water, seasons, and even freedom from technological noise.

The "live", close-up views of predators on our labels reflects the experience we provide for the consumer: our products are as pure and unadulterated as possible, and this is as close as you can get to the real thing as produced by people who are your neighbors.

Terra Savia is still a work in progress. As we continue to grow we are still excited and committed to constantly look for new ways to use our crops and offer the consumer the most natural and organic products with the least impact on today’s shrinking natural resources.

Read more about slow food and local products