The Matera area has historically been suited to cereal cultivation, particularly the production of wheat and barley, which represent key pillars of the local economy. In recent years, however, the sector has faced challenges related to climate change, such as water scarcity and production instability, as well as low and often unremunerative market prices. In this context, the development of local processing supply chains represents an effective strategy to increase added value and strengthen the economic resilience of the area.

The Matarè Farm Brewery was founded in 2019 as an entrepreneurial and social initiative of the MEST cooperative, with the goal of combining employment inclusion, agriculture, and food processing into a single supply chain.  

The production activity is characterized by a strong integration between agriculture and processing: more than 51% of the raw materials come from the associated farm, where barley for malting and traditional grains, including local “saragolla” varieties, are cultivated. The practices adopted follow the principles of agroecology and organic farming, including crop rotations, organic fertilization, and soil conservation techniques, with the aim of improving soil fertility and water management. The enhancement of local varieties and evolutionary populations contributes to biodiversity and climate resilience.

The production, which is artisanal and non-standardized, includes different types of beer linked to the territorial identity. The initiative integrates social inclusion, sustainability, and innovation, generating employment and strengthening local networks, also through collaborations with research institutions and the Agroecological District of the Murge and Bradano, thus representing a virtuous model of rural development.