A varying number of factors have contributed to the economic success of Tuscany. Villa rental is, of course, one of them, as well as mining, textiles and pharmaceuticals. Another of these cornerstones is the region's flourishing agricultural industry. Although its contribution has waned somewhat in recent years (the storms and floods of 1966, for example, significantly injured the agricultural output of Tuscany), it is still one of the most prosperous agricultural regions in Italy. And, importantly, it is also a highly regarded industry. Indeed, Tuscan agriculture is known the world over for being only of the very highest quality.

Mezzadria
Tuscan agriculture is still underpinned by the mezzadria system, which was widely spread throughout Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In this feudal type arrangement, the landlord provides all the capital and current expenses while sharing the harvest with the tenant, who supplies all of the labour. This approach to agriculture continues to be profitable for the region of Tuscany. Villa rental, if you are a holidaymaker planning on visiting the region, will give you an idea just how well this system works.

Cereal
One of the predominant areas of agriculture in Tuscany is cereal, especially wheat. Statistically, cereals occupy almost 200 thousand hectares in the region, followed by olive trees, which have just over 92 thousand hectares, and vineyards €" 62 thousand.

Olives
Olives and olive oil are produced in huge numbers in Tuscany. Villa rental, if you have ever been lucky enough to enjoy sampling it in the region in this way, will give you some idea as to how widespread these little green fruits are, as the region has numerous pockets of olive groves.

Wine
Wine is one of the biggest exports of Tuscany (villa rental properties in the region, in particular, are best enjoyed with a fine bottle of Tuscan wine!). The most notable area of wine production is the world-famous Chianti district near Siena, home to the gorgeous red wine of the same name. These vineyards are a must-see for wine lovers visiting Tuscany. Villa rental is highly recommended, as it nestles you right in the heart of wine country!

Fruit, Vegetables and Meat
Vegetables and fruit are also grown in Tuscany and make up a big share of the region's agricultural industry. Beets and sunflowers, for instance, are grown in the swamplands, which used to be marshy. In addition, throughout the Tuscan region, Cattle, horses, pigs, and poultry are raised and contribute significantly to the region's teeming agricultural industry.