The agricultural cooperative "Lentamente" is composed of a group from the rural province of Benevento, in southern Italy. This is an area of emigration, with an average of over 5000 people annually changing their residence within this province alone. This migration is driven by certain characteristics of rural areas, including a lack of transportation, limited services, a scarcity of quality employment, and a lack of opportunities for diverse experiences. These individuals have experienced migration, and after various experiences and years in other places, they have decided to return to their homeland.

The members have returned and broadened the vision of their original territories, opening up to new interpretations: a land less contaminated by industrial cultural homogenization, and above all, rich in intangible cultural heritage and ancient knowledge to preserve. 

The group integrates agriculture and social aspects, valuing people and the territory, addressing the needs of those living in this area by using fieldwork and food as tools for integration and development. They focuses on researching alternative agricultural practices without the use of chemical compounds (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc.), invasive farming methods, and excessive land exploitation. 
The Aim is to involve disadvantaged individuals, people with disabilities raising awareness, informing families and society, integrating without homogenizing or assimilating. 
Not only allow the participants to build a different path for their future but also contribute concrete actions that add value to the territory.

Lentamente group has been able to carry out numerous activities and aims to become a true training and orientation hub in the agricultural field, helping victims of labor exploitation. All of this follows specialized training courses for local crops, such as pruning olive trees or grapevines.

Lentamente was awarded the ILC Award in 2022—a prize from the International Land Coalition, the largest and most comprehensive alliance dealing with land rights, a true global alliance of civil society, farmer organizations, and United Nations agencies. 

They produce wheat, flour, fresh vegetables, legumes, honey, hazelnut cream, pasta, and tomato sauce. It has a processing laboratory and a honey packaging laboratory, and currently manages several hectares of land where it also produces olive oil and wine.

https://agricoltorebio.it/azienda/societa-cooperativa-agricola-lentamente/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Lentamente-Societ%C3%A0-Cooperativa-Agricola-100063899976890/
https://www.ilgiornaledelcibo.it/lentamente-cooperativa-sociale/
https://consorziosaledellaterra.it/la-cooperativa-lentamente-vincitrice-dellinternational-land-coalition-award/
https://lentamente.wixsite.com/lentamentecoop/page2
https://www.facebook.com/people/Lentamente-Societ%C3%A0-Cooperativa-Agricola/100063899976890/?locale=hy_AM&paipv=0&eav=AfZwvvUEalNOZgJa_boP5V6mx9Cep0qXvF8awUGrXjgD6igfBcJeRbnWpK2rIBzXWMw&_rdr
https://www.lentamenteshop.it/it/
https://agricoltorebio.it/azienda/societa-cooperativa-agricola-lentamente/
 

Direct SDGs:

• SDG 1: No Poverty: The cooperative focuses on economic sustainability and aims to create remunerative agricultural practices, contributing to poverty reduction.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Lentamente produces a variety of food items, including wheat, flour, vegetables, legumes, and honey, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The cooperative engages in social agriculture, providing activities that promote the well-being of individuals, especially those with disabilities or disadvantages.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: Lentamente is involved in training and vocational programs for individuals with disabilities and other disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to inclusive and quality education.
   

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The cooperative's focus on creating remunerative agricultural practices and its efforts toward social and work integration align with the goal of promoting decent work and economic growth.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality: Lentamente's projects aim to reduce social inequalities by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, former addicts, and those with a history of incarceration.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Lentamente's efforts include the recovery and regeneration of abandoned land, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable land use.

Indirect SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Although not directly discussed, sustainable agricultural practices often involve energy considerations. The cooperative's focus on environmental sustainability may indirectly contribute to clean energy initiatives.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The establishment of a social farm in an urban area (Caffè dell’Orto) aligns with the idea of creating sustainable and inclusive communities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Sustainable agricultural practices mentioned in the article contribute to climate action by reducing the environmental impact of farming activities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The cooperative's involvement in combating labor exploitation (mentioned indirectly) aligns with the broader goal of promoting justice and strong institutions
   

Justification:

Responsible Consumption and Production about the cooperative emphasizes environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to responsible consumption and production.

1. How does the "Slowly" cooperative address the specific challenges related to agriculture in an area of emigration such as Sannio?

2. How does the cooperative integrate agriculture with the social aspect and 
3. how does this contribute to the development of the local community?

4. What are Lentamente's specific goals regarding the social and labor inclusion of disadvantaged people, such as the disabled, drug addicts, or ex-convicts?

5. How does the cooperative promote environmental sustainability through its farming practices and what are the positive impacts on soil, environment and biodiversity?

    

Agostino Cefalo, Gramigna ODV