Regenerative agriculture is more than a farming method—it’s a path toward restoring ecosystems, enhancing soil health, and building resilient food systems. As climate challenges intensify, adopting regenerative practices has become crucial for ensuring sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities. Against this backdrop, stakeholders across Italy convened at a transformative workshop in Parma to chart a collaborative course for scaling regenerative agriculture.
On 22 November 2024, EIT Food, with the support of Bax, organised a transformative workshop hosted at the European Regenerative Organic Center (EROC) in Parma, Italy. This event brought together over 60 participants, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and investors, to share experiences and develop a roadmap for scaling regenerative agriculture in Italy and beyond.
Status of Regenerative Agriculture in Italy
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the current state of regenerative agriculture in Italy. While highlighting positive trends, such as Italy’s enabling environment, strong local supply chains, and the commitment of pioneer farmers, attendees also addressed critical challenges. These included gaps in knowledge and education, the need for better data, and the socio-cultural barriers to future-proofing farming as a profession.
Key themes emerged:
- Positive aspects: Italy’s diverse food systems, customer appreciation for quality and flavour, and examples of ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement through regenerative practices.
- Challenges: Defining certification schemes, closing knowledge gaps, and aligning political and financial systems to support regenerative transitions.
Multi-stakeholder insights
The morning panel featured diverse perspectives from Edmondo Soffritti (La Petrosa Farm), Matteo Mancini (Deafal ONG), Matteo Mazzola (Iside Farm), Andrea Ferrarini (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), and Lorenzo Furlan (Veneto Agricultura). Discussions underscored the complexities of scaling regenerative agriculture in Italy’s varied landscapes and food systems. Key takeaways included the need for clear definitions, financial innovation, knowledge sharing, and increased consumer awareness.
The agenda also featured a series of inspiring presentations that showcased innovative approaches to scaling regenerative agriculture. Paul Chatterton, Director of the Landscape Finance Lab, explored the transformative potential of large-scale financing for nature restoration, drawing on examples like Ireland’s peatland restoration efforts and urging stakeholders to act boldly in light of climate crises. Amparo de San Jose of EIT Food shared insights from Navarra360°, a Spanish public-private partnership supporting regenerative cereal supply chains through farmer training, technical support, and financial incentives. Dario Fornara, Research Director at the Davines Group’s European Regenerative Organic Center (EROC), shared how their open-air laboratory is driving research, education, and collaboration to promote soil health, biodiversity, and agroecosystem resilience. Together, these insights highlighted the power of partnerships, funding innovation, and on-the-ground implementation to drive systemic change in agriculture.
Six key themes for action
Participants collaborated in small groups to identify critical areas for future action:
- Local Supply Chains: Strengthen systems for fair pricing and scalability through community-supported agriculture and digital platforms.
- R&D Financing: Unlock funding for research demonstrating the benefits of regenerative practices.
- Skills & Education: Build a skilled workforce through better access to knowledge, training, and success stories.
- Certification and Standards: Develop inclusive, flexible certification systems driven by farmers, scientists, and advisors.
- Collaboration and Network Building: Foster connections among farmers, advisors, and stakeholders to share best practices and resources.
- Transition Finance: Support farms during their transition through blended finance models and innovative funding mechanisms.
Looking ahead
The workshop concluded with a commitment to foster collaboration across sectors and implement the insights gained. Key ideas for future collaboration included developing educational programs, establishing lighthouse farms as innovation hubs, and creating practical research initiatives to build the evidence base for regenerative agriculture.
Our Bax team is dedicated to making these connections happen. Reach out to our Nature & Agriculture team to explore how we can support you!