From a symbol of illegal building to a model of social redemption and legality: on a 55 thousand square meter plot of land, once taken away from crime, today grow thriving olive trees cultivated with passion by the young people of the Universal Civil Service.
This is where it comes to life Happy Land, a virtuous project that gave rise to the first production of extra virgin olive oil “I was selling”, officially presented this morning in the splendid setting of Villa Bruno, an ancient patrician residence of the Vesuvian Golden Mile. The initiative, the result of collaboration between the Municipality of San Giorgio a Cremano, the association Callysto Aps,Giancarlo Siani Association andPunzo oil mill, has allowed to produce 280 bottles of oil – equal to approximately 150 litres – obtained from the harvest of olive trees planted on that land now returned to the community.
«We have told a great example of legality and social redemption through the positive experience of Terra Felix», declared the mayor Giorgio Zinno, visibly moved as he recounted the transformation of an area once marked by illegality into a place of hope and ethical work. Zinno then underlined how the path, from seizure to confiscation to full restitution of the public asset, was long and complex, also punctuated by moments of difficulty and criminal intimidation.
Also present at the presentation ceremony was Nunzio Fragliasso, current chief prosecutor of Torre Annunziata, who at the time of the confiscation headed the Environmental Crimes section. A significant return, which made the event even more symbolic. Fragliasso reiterated the importance of «giving a concrete meaning to justice», precisely through the social use of confiscated assets, which from "wounds of the territory" can become examples of rebirth.
The presence of the numerous and heartfelt police, as evidence of the institutional relevance of the initiative. Among those present was General Biagio Storniolo, the colonel Mark Trapuzzani, the colonel John Imbroglio and the vice-questor Donatella Grassi. «Their presence – the mayor further underlined – confirms how fundamental teamwork between institutions is to build lasting and concrete paths of legality".
San Giorgio a Cremano, after all, is not new to these examples. «We have already converted other confiscated assets into structures serving citizens – added Zinno – including a anti-violence center, solidarity emporium e social housing. The commitment of the municipal body is to give priority and immediacy to the social reuse of these spaces, transforming them into opportunities for the territory".
The project Happy Land is part of a broader plan for the ethical and economic regeneration of the Vesuvian area, setting an example for other municipalities in Southern Italy. “Vesevo”, with its evocative name and authentic flavour, is not only an agri-food product, but a manifesto of legality bottled: an oil that brings with it the scent of the liberated land and the value of fair work.
Article published on March 28, 2025 - 17pm
The article talks about an interesting project, but there are many things I don't know well. I don't understand how a previously illegal area can become an example. Let's hope it works and brings good things to the community.