ASCA – La Porta dei Parchi is a female-led agricultural and social cooperative, directed by Manuela Cozzi and managed by her daughter Viola Marcelli, located in Anversa degli Abruzzi, in the province of L’Aquila. The farm operates in a mountainous area with high natural value, fully respecting and protecting the environment. Founded in 1977 by Nunzio Marcelli with the aim of revitalizing a mountain area facing depopulation through innovation in traditional agricultural productions, it promotes a development model based on economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The farm covers approximately 1,320 hectares, mainly consisting of pastures and, secondarily, forests, olive groves, orchards, and vegetable gardens. Its primary activity is livestock farming, with 1,300 sheep and 250 goats. The farm produces organic cheeses, meats, and cured products, marketed through short supply chains and enhanced by BIO and IGP certifications for Central Italy lamb; it is also a Slow Food Presidium for Permanent Meadows and recognized as UNESCO Heritage for Transhumance.

ASCA is pursuing a comprehensive circular economy project and plays a proactive role in the local area, aiming to create job opportunities and support the retention of the local population. The continuous pursuit of improvement, raising consumer awareness of transhumance practices, and environmental protection through the “Adopt a Sheep” project go hand in hand with the creation of services and social inclusion initiatives, including agritourism, educational farms, social farms, environmental education, school camps, and land maintenance services.

Networking has distinguished ASCA’s history since its inception: its connection with the territory has allowed the Cooperative to participate in community projects, establish collaborations with universities and schools on biodiversity projects, take part in PSR (Rural Development Program) calls, and engage in initiatives promoting the local area.