Azienda agricola Merico

Azienda Agricola Merico is located in Miggiano, in the lower Salento, along the provincial road between Miggiano and Specchia. It bears the name of the founders' mother, Maria Rosa Merico, and is run by Consiglia Marta and Vito Lisi, who for over twenty years have tended their centuries-old olive groves — some of which fall within the protected area of the Otranto–Santa Maria di Leuca Natural Park. Pioneers of organic olive cultivation in Salento, they converted to organic farming when doing so was still a countercultural choice, and acquired their own mill to guarantee contamination-free pressing.

The flagship product is "La piana degli ulivi", a certified organic extra virgin olive oil from the indigenous Cellina and Ogliarola varieties, recognised as a Slow Food Presidium. Alongside the oil, the farm produces almonds, flour from ancient grains such as Senatore Cappelli, pasta, and baked goods. The Lisi family are also among the promoters of the "Manu Manu riforesta" project, created to counter the spread of Xylella and restore biodiversity to the Salentino landscape. The farm welcomes visitors from around the world for tastings and experiential tours of the mill.