Novellara, Reggio Emilia, Italy — 05 May 2025 – A delegation from the Se4All initiative visited the Parmesan Cheese Social Farm in Novellara, in the heart of Reggio Emilia, to explore local excellence in sustainable dairy production, social farming, and food safety practices in the Italian agri-food sector.
The visiting delegation included Leticia Toselli and Maria Julieta Comin from INTA (National Agricultural Technology Institute, Argentina), and Leonardo Piccinetti and Donatella Santoro from Redinn, a European research and innovation network supporting inclusive rural development.
The Parmesan Cheese Social Farm is a leading example of how traditional Parmigiano Reggiano production, using milk sourced exclusively from the Reggio Emilia area, can be combined with social inclusion and adherence to rigorous food safety standards—at regional (Emilia-Romagna), national, and EU levels. The farm also incorporates selenium in dairy nutrition, reflecting a growing commitment to producing health-conscious, nutritionally enriched foods.
Donatella Santoro, Redinn representative and expert in inclusive agriculture, shared:
“This farm is more than a place of production — it’s a place of purpose. By combining traditional cheese-making with social inclusion and a commitment to health-focused nutrition, we show how food can nourish both people and communities.” – Donatella Santoro
The visit also benefited from the scientific insight and academic collaboration of the University of Bologna – DISTAL (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences). The delegation extended a special thanks to Professor Matteo Vittuari for his support in fostering dialogue between research and practice in sustainable food systems.
The experience in Novellara underscored the value of international cooperation and highlighted the Parmesan Cheese Social Farm as a model for safe, ethical, and community-rooted dairy production.
Media Contact:
[Maghraby Elseify]
[Se4All – C.T]
