Context

Dimitra was founded in 2017 in Basilicata, a region with a strong agricultural vocation but marked by important structural challenges. Agriculture in the region is hampered by strong farm fragmentation, a low level of mechanisation, inefficient use of water and energy resources, and limited opportunities for young people.

The need to modernise production systems and encourage the establishment of young farmers highlighted the importance of adopting an integrated model which focuses on crop diversification, the efficient use of natural resources, and the link with research and innovation.

Dimitra has diversified its production and commercial strategy by operating in areas with a distinct agricultural vocation: the Metapontino plain, fertile and suitable for specialised intensive cultivation, and the hills of the Lucanian Apennine National Park, more suited to niche and quality production such as that of the Sarconi bean, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product.

In a regional context, Dimitra stands out as a project of breakthrough and innovation, founded by a group of young people under 40 with skills in engineering, agronomy and technology transfer. The vision behind the initiative was to overcome the limitations of the traditional agricultural model through productive reconversion, the introduction of advanced technologies, and the promotion of a sustainable and competitive agriculture.

Objectives

The overarching aim of the project was to create a sustainable, efficient and competitive farming model that balances environmental protection with economic development. Specifically, the team wanted to increase the company's competitiveness in the national and international markets with highly profitable crops.

Environmentally, the goal was to reduce water consumption by 30% and maximise fertiliser use efficiency through the adoption of precision farming technologies. Achieving greater efficiency in the use of natural and energy resources would protect the soil and enhance water resources through the self-generation of renewable energy.

The project was also designed to encourage generational renewal and the inclusion of young people, all the while supporting Lucania's rural areas by creating employment and enhancing local production.

Activities 

Initial support to the project was obtained by one of the project partners – who then became Dimitra's CEO – through Measure 6.1 of the Basilicata RDP. Next, with support from Measure 4.1 of the regional RDP, the company launched a modernisation plan focused on advanced irrigation systems, precision agriculture, energy self-production, and high-value-added crops.

The first phase involved analytical and technical planning. Detailed mapping of soil and climate conditions was conducted in Bernalda (for yellow-fleshed kiwifruit) and Grumento Nova (for Sarconi beans), using GIS technologies and environmental sensors. The data collected made it possible to set up a precision-farming model and plan targeted interventions, reducing the use of natural resources.

Thanks to the grant subsidised under Measure 6.1, Dimitra was able to move on to phase two, namely productive reconversion, expanding the cultivation of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit and improving the quality of the Sarconi bean, while increasing its production level and enhancing the value of its crops on both national and international markets.

Through sub-measure 4.1, the company then invested in modern machinery and drip irrigation systems equipped with sensors to monitor soil moisture and rainfall, optimising the use of water, fertilisers and pesticides while reducing waste and environmental impact.

The fourth phase was the implementation of the advanced decision support system (DSS) software to monitor crops, evapotranspiration and climatic parameters, enabling timely and targeted agronomic interventions. The system enhances production quality and boosts farm sustainability. A micro-wind system for self-consumption – a 9-kWh wind turbine, financed through CAP funds – was then installed to reduce emissions and achieve energy autonomy, helping to lower operating costs.

Throughout the above phases, there were ongoing dissemination and training activities. The project organised meetings, workshops and guided tours to promote sustainable techniques, actively involving young farmers and operators. In 2023, Dimitra hosted the cross-visit ‘Circular and organic soil management’ for EIP-AGRI Operational Groups, and a session of the national agro-meteorology conference. Outdoor lectures and visits for schools and universities are also held every season, promoting technology transfer and regional best practices.

Gender equality (if available in the application)

The Dimitra project was established with the goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture, and included the involvement and empowerment of women in rural areas. Although they were not among the project’s founders, women are an essential component of Dimitra, both as a workforce and as recipients of training and professional development.

Currently, the company employs around 40 people, with an average age of 45, engaged in the main operational phases: thinning, harvesting, manual selection and packaging of agricultural products. In these activities, more than 60% of the workforce is female, confirming the fundamental role of female workers in the production cycle.

Dimitra hosts interns, and university and PhD students who explore sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture and post-harvest management. These free training activities are managed by the members of the company and allow participants to acquire specialised skills, improve job security and strengthen their financial autonomy.

Generational Renewal

The company was founded by people under 40 with skills in engineering, agronomy and business management. It has also sought to create a collaborative and stimulating environment that enhances the role of young people as agents of change in the agricultural sector. There are also plans to expand and involve other young producers, fostering the creation of a network of young agricultural enterprises in the area.

Main Results

The company achieved a 25% reduction in fertiliser and pesticide use through the adoption of precision-farming technologies, which enable targeted applications based on precise soil and crop data, thereby minimising waste and environmental impacts. Water consumption was optimised with a 30% reduction in irrigation water use, achieved through intelligent drip irrigation systems equipped with sensors that monitor soil moisture and climatic conditions in real time, ensuring calibrated and sustainable irrigation. Independent electricity production from wind power, covering 100% of the company's energy needs, significantly reduced energy costs and CO2 emissions, thus contributing to environmental sustainability.

The area managed by Dimitra has expanded to about 20 hectares (16 are cultivated with kiwi, 2 with olive trees, and the other 2 are resting, awaiting new plantations). The area under yellow-flesh kiwi cultivation was expanded to 16 hectares, with an average annual production of around 300 quintals per hectare, enhancing competitiveness in national and international markets thanks to the superior quality of the product. Overall, the company increased turnover by some 20% due to the increase in productivity, crop quality and access to high-value-added markets. This enabled the creation of at least three new skilled jobs, fostering generational renewal and the inclusion of young people in the agricultural sector, while contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.

The project developed a model of sustainable agriculture that combines technological innovation with environmental protection, adopting responsible farming practices that respect the ecosystem. It strengthened the company's resilience to climate change by implementing strategies and technologies to ensure production stability even in adverse conditions, while optimising the management of natural resources, enhancing the area's unique soil and climate capital and protecting biodiversity.

Key lessons

The Dimitra farm project is a successful example of agricultural networking driven by a well-structured strategy combining skills, resources and technologies along with institutional, academic and commercial partnerships. It shows that complex challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity, can be transformed into opportunities for economic and social growth for rural communities.

The strong youth component, combined with advanced technical and scientific expertise, demonstrates how generational renewal can effectively become the driving force behind rural development and competitiveness in the global market.

The company is composed of a young and qualified team (engineers, agronomists and agricultural entrepreneurs) who share their technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision. This internal collaboration is the first level of networking, because it allows the company to innovate processes through transversal skills, manage advanced technologies such as DSS and precision farming, and integrate research, experimentation and direct field application.