Bio-Dinámico

The integrated organic method known in Italy as bio-dinámico an alternative approach to farming. During our stay in the ricelands near Vercelli, we visited a large bio-dynamic organic farm, Cascine Orsini, run by Aldo Paravicini. On 740 acres of farmland, there were over two hundred dairy cows. The farm sells milk from its dairy herd for the production of yogurt. About 100 acres of land were planted in rice (with an old rice variety called rosa marchetti, as well as with baldo), over 220 acres were being used as pasture, and about 650 acres were kept wooded. There was also land planted in wheat, barley, legumes, and vegetables. Wheat, pearled barley, spelt, rye, corn, and rice are sold directly from the farm as well as through specialty stores in Florence, Venice, and Turin. The rice is milled nearby. Some is kept unmilled (brown rice), some is half-milled to semi-lavorito, and some is fully milled to white rice.