Jacopo Orlando, L’Agricologica’s Business Development Manager, talks about the principles of Aboca people and the reason why they decided to use Halopack for their biological meats from free-range animals.
Thanks to a research journey supported by the experience and values of the Aboca Group, L’Agricologica aims to bridge the gap between health and taste, producing high-quality, safe meats with proven standards while remaining true to the 100% natural principle. The new brand proposes an integrated supply chain model with an agroecological approach, where cattle and pigs are grass-fed and free to roam outdoors year-round, according to their natural needs, fully respecting their native physiology and dietary preferences.
Your company is deeply committed to biodiversity protection and agricultural circularity. Can you explain how this is reflected in your corporate policy, as well as in the Aboca Group's policy?
L’Agricologica considers organic certification the starting point for creating a cutting-edge system in terms of animal welfare and environmental protection. The project was founded with the specific aim of developing a farming model based on respect for the animal's physiology and restoring a key role for livestock farming within the agricultural supply chain. Compliance with the High Animal Welfare standard from Federbio (which ensures a high level of attention to animal welfare) and the Biodiversity Alliance scheme, which evaluates agrobiodiversity levels, are a testament to this commitment.
L’Agricologica focuses on organic certification, using standards even more stringent than those required by official guidelines. What is the reason behind this virtuous path, which requires significant investment in resources and energy compared to conventional production methods?
Animal farming, especially for meat, is at the heart of a passionate debate involving ethical concerns and the sustainability of meat consumption. With L’Agricologica, we wanted to demonstrate that sustainable farming, based on respect for animals, can have a positive impact on both humans and the environment. One of the guiding principles of L’Agricologica project was the choice to integrate animals into Aboca's circular agricultural system. For over 40 years, Aboca has been researching natural solutions for human care, developing medical devices based on 100% natural substances through a vertically integrated supply chain—from the direct cultivation of medicinal plants on over 1700 hectares of organic land in Valtiberina and Valdichiana to distribution through specialized channels. Therefore, the inclusion of animals, raised in pastures and forests, contributes to agricultural circularity and enhances the agroecosystem's richness. Moreover, as we focus on health, we know that the food we consume plays a fundamental role in human well-being.
However, the Aboca Group doesn’t limit itself to animal welfare but demonstrates great attention to the environment, people, and the common good. In fact, in 2019, you achieved B-Corp certification with an excellent score. Can you explain what led you to become a Benefit Corporation?
Since 2018, all companies within the Aboca Group have adopted the legal form of a “Benefit Corporation,” committing by statute to operate responsibly, sustainably, and transparently toward all stakeholders. Companies that choose this legal form are thus bound to pursue the common good, and each year they must assess their impact using a third-party evaluation standard. Essentially, being a "Benefit Corporation" means formally committing to working toward common good objectives. In 2019, we also achieved "B Corp" certification, an international recognition granted by the nonprofit B Lab, which attests to the high standards of environmental and social performance of companies.For Aboca, it was a natural progression—a formalization of a commitment that started in the 1970s—and, at the same time, a method to improve and constantly assess our work.
L'Agricologica is characterized by strict control over the entire supply chain, from livestock breeding to the processing, preservation, and ageing of meats. In this production cycle, from field to product realization, your sustainable Halopack packaging is also involved. What are the reasons that convinced you to choose this solution over others?
The decision to use Halopack packaging from Box Marche for our meats was a natural one, as it is aligned with our approach. Our philosophy is to generate a positive impact on the environment and the community, which naturally extends to our packaging choices. The solution we adopted offers several advantages, such as optimal preservation of meat in a protective atmosphere, even for extended periods. It can easily be recycled after use by simply separating the light barrier film from the cardboard container, allowing both parts to be disposed of in separate waste streams for recycling.
