Ariane Lotti discovered her life’s mission at 17. A high school exchange program in the U.S. led to a transformative experience working on a diversified farm, giving her a clear vision: she would dedicate her life to studying, exploring, and implementing agricultural models that support both human and environmental health.

After earning a degree in environmental sciences, working on farms worldwide, conducting research, and shaping organic and sustainable agricultural policy in the U.S. and the EU, Ariane made a bold decision. When she and her sister inherited their 480-hectare family farm, Tenuta San Carlo - situated in a coastal floodplain of Tuscany - she uprooted her life in America and returned to Italy.

At the time, the farm operated conventionally, growing rice and wheat while relying heavily on subsidies from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. But shifting markets, evolving subsidy structures, and climate change signaled that the status quo was no longer viable. Ariane saw an opportunity to put her beliefs into action - transitioning the family farm to organic rice production.

Resistance was immediate. Neighbors and even the organic farming community dismissed the idea, insisting that organic rice production in Tuscany couldn’t be done. As Ariane says, “I was told it was impossible to grow organic rice here so I made it my mission to prove otherwise.”

Ariane collaborated with organic farmers worldwide, adopting innovative thinking and regenerative practices. Through persistence and ingenuity, she revolutionized the management of Tenuta San Carlo, successfully establishing an organic rice-growing system.

By integrating livestock, she has revitalized historically less productive areas of the farm. The farm’s pine forests - once devastated by a pest infestation that halted pine nut production over 15 years ago - are showing signs of recovery. Production is now more efficient, synthetic chemical and fertilizer costs have been eliminated, and the farm’s fertile soil is yielding stronger harvests. Ariane has even introduced techniques that allow the soil to remain undisturbed for up to two years in annual crop production, further enhancing soil health and resilience.

Pioneering organic rice cultivation in the region also meant building a market from the ground up. By partnering with consumers and supply-chain stakeholders who value regenerative agriculture, she has secured premium prices for her products.

Ariane remains deeply engaged in agricultural policy and local governance. As she explains, “Farmers participating in policymaking at a variety of levels is fundamental to transforming the food system.” She currently serves as president of the regional organic growers’ association, vice president of the provincial chapter of a national farmers' organization, and a board member of the regional organic district. Most recently, she was elected to the water district board of Southern Tuscany.

Looking ahead, Ariane is working toward a fully integrated crop and livestock management system at Tenuta San Carlo. Her next steps include advancing water conservation strategies and launching an on-farm store to connect consumers directly with the land’s bounty.

As she puts it, “The relationship I have with my land has been nothing short of challenging, stressful, fulfilling, meaningful, joyful, and grounding. My hope is for Tenuta San Carlo to serve as a model of regenerative food production at mid-scale that contributes to transforming our food system away from an extractive, resource-intensive model to a restorative, resilient, and climate-ready system.”