Azienda Agricola Scardaci, Guardian of the Noto Almond: a Slow Food Presidio

In the heart of the Val di Noto, among the gentle hills of the Syracusan countryside, lies Azienda Agricola Scardaci—an authentic haven of sustainable farming and rural tradition. Here, Concetto Scardaci has brought together academic training and inherited agricultural knowledge, breathing new life into the family masseria through a holistic vision deeply respectful of nature. The farm stands as a point of reference for travelers seeking genuine experiences in Sicily, far from mass tourism and closely connected to the agricultural culture and biodiversity of the land.

History and Farm Philosophy

Concetto Scardaci, who holds a degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, chose in 2005 to return to his roots by taking over the management of the family farm. He involved his parents in this journey, shaping a family-run enterprise grounded in the shared values of rural life. From the outset, the aim was to recover ancient agricultural practices while integrating them with a contemporary understanding of sustainability and biodiversity. The farm is managed according to organic farming principles, with particular attention to soil regeneration, crop rotation, and ethical animal husbandry.

Location and Landscape

The farm extends across the Grattaluri district, about ten kilometers from the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the slopes of Monte Finocchitto, it enjoys a privileged position overlooking Sicily’s south‑eastern coastline. The landscape is distinctly Mediterranean: centuries‑old olive trees, carob groves, almond orchards, low maquis shrubs, red earth, and dry‑stone walls marking the boundaries between plots. The Val di Noto is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the richness of its agricultural and natural biodiversity—an heritage that Azienda Scardaci actively protects and promotes.

Farming and Agricultural Production: History and Philosophy

One of the core activities of the farm is almond cultivation, specifically the Romana variety, a Slow Food Presidio recognized for its distinctive organoleptic qualities. Almond growing follows traditional methods, without the use of pesticides, and respects the natural rhythms of the seasons and the biological cycle of the trees.

The almond harvest takes place between late July and mid‑August, when the fruits naturally begin to open on the tree. The technique used is bacchiatura with poles, an ancient Sicilian method that involves striking the branches with bamboo canes so that the almonds fall onto sheets laid out beneath the trees.

Once collected, the almonds are hand‑selected and left to dry in the sun for several days on cement or stone surfaces, in accordance with tradition. This stage is essential to preserve aroma, crunch, and nutritional properties.

The entire process is carried out manually, with the support of the family, in an atmosphere where work, ritual, and careful attention to detail coexist.

Alongside the almond trees, the farm also cultivates olive groves for extra virgin olive oil, lemon trees, and carob trees. All crops follow the natural seasonal cycle and the principles of agroecology, without chemical fertilizers or herbicides, in full harmony with the surrounding environment.

Animal Husbandry and Dairy Production

One of the most distinctive features of Azienda Scardaci is its sheep farming. Around 120 sheep graze freely on the farm’s land. Some belong to the Comisana breed, while others are Noticiana sheep, a native breed at risk of extinction that the farm actively helps to preserve. The animals are fed exclusively with farm‑produced forage and crop by‑products, without hormones or antibiotics.

Their milk is used to produce very fresh dairy products: primo sale pecorino, hot ricotta, and raw‑milk cheeses, all made by hand using traditional techniques. Production is limited and intended mainly for family consumption and tastings offered to visitors.

Sustainability and Closed‑Loop

Farming Azienda Scardaci represents a virtuous model of closed‑loop agriculture. Nothing is wasted: plant residues are used as animal feed or transformed into compost that is returned to the fields. Livestock waste, properly treated, fertilizes the crops. No chemical products are used, and the entire supply chain is carefully managed to ensure minimal environmental impact. This approach helps maintain soil fertility and strengthens the resilience of the farm’s ecosystem.

Experiences and Rural Tourism

In addition to agricultural production, the farm offers immersive experiences for visitors and enthusiasts. Guided tours can be booked and include educational walks through the fields, cheese‑making workshops, and tastings of farm products. During these activities, guests can sample fresh cheeses, hot ricotta made on the spot, and traditional sweets prepared with Romana almonds.

The experiences are designed for families, school groups, curious travelers, and organized parties. Bookings are handled through platforms such as FarmExperience, and visits are available in both Italian and English. Each experience is conceived as a journey into rural knowledge, food culture, and the biodiversity of the territory.

Recognition and Partnerships

Concetto Scardaci has been selected as a representative of the Slow Food Presidio for the Noto Almond and has represented the area at the Salone del Gusto in Turin. The farm is featured by several online platforms dedicated to sustainable agriculture and Sicilian local products, including FarmExperience, Terra Matta, Sicilying, and regional tourism portals. It also collaborates with cultural associations and environmental education projects, pursuing its mission to enhance and safeguard the agricultural heritage of the Val di Noto.

How to Visit the Farm

Azienda Agricola Scardaci is located in Contrada Grattaluri, in the countryside around Noto. Visits can be booked through platforms such as FarmExperience or by contacting the farm directly. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended, when the landscape is at its most evocative and many agricultural activities are underway.

A visit to the farm can easily be included in a broader itinerary that takes in the town of Noto, the Vendicari coastline, Marzamemi, and the Cavagrande Nature Reserve. It is a rare opportunity to discover the rural and authentic soul of Sicily, among blooming almond trees, green pastures, and age‑old flavors.