How to respond to climate challenges sustainably

We cannot control the climate, but we can mitigate its impacts by choosing how we take care of the land. This is, in short, the message that organic and biodynamic farmers will share at the seventh edition of the Festa del BIO in Milan, on Saturday 14 December at 3:30 pm.

Six stories of resilience and love for the land, told by the custodians of sustainability who have chosen an agriculture without synthetic chemicals to face the daily challenges of a rapidly changing ecosystem, conditioned by increasingly extreme climate impacts.

The stories of biodiversity come from the experience of Giuseppe Goio , of the homonymous farm in the Piedmont Rice Biodistrict, committed to the valorization of ancient rice varieties, with natural techniques such as “green mulching”. Giuseppe decides to go organic, thus rediscovering the deep and satisfying relationship with the land and the pleasure of being a farmer. The natural techniques he uses help him to counteract climate impacts by preserving the fertility of the soil and the environment.

Growing rice organically is also the challenge of the Rovasenda Biandrate Maria farm, another reality of the Piedmont Rice Biodistrict, founded in the 70s in the Biella hills. Stefano Tiraboschi , the agronomist who in 2016 decided to eliminate synthetic chemicals, will talk about how important it is to respect nature's times and enhance crop diversification. Rotation and the use of green mulch allow local ecosystems to be kept intact, making agriculture a fundamental ally in mitigating the effects of global warming.

Jurij Bonomo , founder of Cortobio Società Agricola Cooperativa , will share the sustainability and innovation-based approach of the ethical and fair trade agricultural cooperative. Cortobio operates as a purchasing group that offers boxes of organic, seasonal and short-chain fruit and vegetables, reducing waste and also valorizing imperfections to guarantee quality and sustainability. Bonomo's story demonstrates how an agricultural model that respects nature can represent a driver of sustainable development.

Innovation and passion for organic farming also characterize the path of Paolo Di Francesco , founder of Studio Agronomico SATA, a point of reference for agricultural companies that want to grow while respecting the environment. At the Festa del BIO, Di Francesco will present the cutting-edge methodologies he has perfected for soil analysis, optimal crop management and improved production yields, demonstrating how sustainability is a lever for the development of agriculture.

Creating wine excellence while reducing environmental impact is possible, as confirmed by the experience of the Ortelli Desenzano Winery immersed in the morainic hills of Lake Garda. Venti hectares of land cultivated with passion by Giuliano Milesi, respecting natural cycles and enhancing the unique microclimate of the territory. Milesi's commitment demonstrates that integrating tradition, sustainability and innovation it is possible to protect biodiversity and natural resources.

Among the first in Italy to adopt biodynamic agriculture, Cascine Orsine embodies the innovative spirit of its founder, Giulia Maria Crespi, also known for having created the FAI. Marco Paravicini, grandson of Giulia Maria, will underline the importance of protecting biodiversity in an environment where nature and agriculture coexist in perfect balance. Thanks to the conservation of 300 hectares of woods within the Ticino Park, Cascine Orsine offers a natural habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. The holistic approach and the biodynamic practices used also represent a precious ally in countering the impact of climate change.

The Talk “The word to the witnesses: how we tackle the climate crisis with organic” is organised as part of the “Being Organic in EU” campaign promoted by FederBio in collaboration with Naturland and co-financed by the European Union pursuant to EU Reg. n.1144/2014