OUR STORY: ROOTED IN TRADITION,
GUIDED BY NATURE
A Second Life for Forgotten Land
When I founded Azienda Agricola Arcaverde in 1992, it began as an act of restoration. Facing semi-abandoned olive groves in Northern Calabria, we set out to breathe new life into neglected land, clearing wild growth to revitalize the ancient soil. From our very first season, I learned that when you treat the earth with genuine respect, it rewards you with extraordinary quality.
My Story, My Olive Oil
I am Maria Grazia Barone, and for me, olive oil is far more than just a product: it is a story of the land, of rigorous research, and of lifelong passion.
In Cerchiara di Calabria, nestled in the heart of the Pollino region, I chose to dedicate myself to revitalising an ancient and precious olive-growing heritage. Over the years, alongside my family, I have worked to restore native cultivars that were on the brink of disappearing, turning curiosity and study into a concrete commitment to protecting biodiversity and our agricultural identity.
My commitment does not stop at the gates of our estate. As Vice President of the Associazione Nazionale Donne dell’Olio (National Association of Women of Olive Oil), I feel a deep responsibility to share my experience and help amplify the voices of the many women who bring expertise and passion to the olive oil world every single day. I believe in the power of open dialogue, in spreading authentic olive oil culture, and in the ability of women to bring fresh energy, ideas, and vision to this industry.
Reviving Ancient and Forgotten Cultivars
At the heart of our mission was the Spezzanese, an ancient, near-extinct olive variety native to our local area. Recognising its irreplaceable heritage and distinct flavour, we dedicated our early years to grafting and planting saplings, steadily saving this rare cultivar from disappearing.
Preserving local biodiversity has always been our core belief. We treat our groves as a complete ecosystem, avoiding synthetic chemicals and encouraging native flora to thrive alongside our trees. Every bottle of Arcaverde extra virgin olive oil reflects this balance—crafted with care, deeply rooted in tradition, and dedicated to honoring the land.
Evolution Through Passion:
Over the years, our dedication to extra virgin olive oil has transformed from a passion project into a disciplined craft. Quality is never an accident, but the result of continuous trial, systematic observation, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Through constant studies, refined harvesting methods, and rigorous temperature-controlled milling, we have painstakingly perfected every stage of our production. Each harvest brings new insights, allowing us to enhance the aromatic complexity and health benefits of our oils while remaining faithful to the distinctive groves.
As a result we have been awarded the “Grande Olio Slow” title (and inclusion in the Presidio Slow Food degli Olivi Secolari) awarded by Slow Food Italia for their Monocultivar Spezzanese. The Grande Olio Slow designation is widely considered the highest badge of honour for Italian artisan olive oil because of its ultra-strict criteria.
Championing Female Leadership in Agriculture
Leading an agricultural estate as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field has been both a challenge and a profound privilege. Bringing Arcaverde to life required resilience, intuition, and the belief in nurturing the land for future generations rather than chasing high yields. I deeply believe that female-led companies bring a vital perspective to olive oil production, rooted in holistic stewardship, meticulous attention to detail, and a care-first approach to both the environment and our local community. Seeing more women step forward to lead and innovate in sustainable agriculture is a movement I am immensely proud to support.
