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Expanses of lavender, a key link in a circular agriculture. These plants, in fact, in addition to being a source of soaps, essences and waxes rich in properties, are also a safe haven for bees that, due to climate change, in spring can no longer find flowers from which to draw nectar and pollen. And so, at the time of flowering in late June, they feed on lavender. The season is dry in territories like Oliveto Citra, in the province of Salerno. It is here that Leonardo Mancieri, 65, as a beekeeper understood the importance of these plants and with passion, sacrifice and dedication, today with his wife Rosa carries on the business. In the field cultivated by Leonardo there are about 8,000 seedlings. He is the protagonist of CNA Storie of the month.
From lice-scavenging lavender to essential oil
“I substituted lavender for poisons to keep lice away from fruit trees,” Leonardo explains. At pruning time, the flowers were thrown away. “It was a shame to use lavender only for pollination and not to use the flowers,” Leonardo explains. “And so I decided to recover them and make 100 percent pure lavender essential oil from them.”
From the bees the signals that mark the timing of the harvest
A small production, which does not exceed 25-30 liters per year, the result of meticulous work. At harvest time, which takes place in these late July days, Leonardo and Rosa check the flowers one by one and discard any weeds.
“We have a great harmony with the bees,” says Leonardo. When I see that they no longer go to the lavender to collect nectar, it means that the flower has reached its peak. And that’s when we start the harvest.” An activity in step with the rhythms of nature, and 100 percent artisanal. By hand we prune, pot and label. Manual labor has enormous costs, Leonardo acknowledges. And the final prices are not competitive with the large productions in France and Eastern countries where harvesting is massive. In industrial production, Leonardo explains, they proceed by inserting the large lavender bales directly into the distillers. Without filtering residues of weeds and insects.
We have a great harmony with the bees. When I see that they no longer go to the lavender to collect nectar, it’s time to collect
The fairs and meeting with CNA
Leonardo’s audience is at markets and fairs. “I like to have direct contact with customers, who give feedback on the benefits of lavender. And since fairs often last several days, it is common that after buying a product, they return to extol its virtues and ask for new ones.” It was at a trade fair that he met CNA Salerno. “They communicate events of interest to me and are very active. I feel supported and never left to my own devices.”
Many young people, once they finish school or college, move to the North
The manpower is not there
Labor would be needed, but labor is not to be found. “So many young people don’t want to do seasonal work. Many then, once they finish school or college, move to the North. And those who stay don’t want to work.” And a lot of desire to work is needed here. Repaid by the fruit of a business that Leonardo and Rosa pursue with passion. The result is a harmonious mosaic, chiseled by natural cycles and pure craftsmanship. When the bees are immersed in their activity, there is no risk of being stung. A perfect balance between nature’s work and man’s labor.
