June 5 - World Environment Day

For Our Future,” FederBio emphasizes the need to promote sustainable production systems that reduce environmental impact and protect essential resources. A central role is played by agroecology, of which organic and biodynamic agriculture represent the most advanced expressions: methods capable of regenerating soils, protecting biodiversity, and making agricultural systems more resilient to extreme events.

This is confirmed by authoritative studies such as the "Farming Systems Trial (FST)", the longest-running research project conducted by the Rodale Institute, which for 45 years has compared organic and conventional production, evaluating all key aspects of agricultural systems, including the impact on climate change. The comparative analysis data demonstrates that organic farming can positively impact climate mitigation, for example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The regenerative approach of organic farming improves soil fertility, increases carbon sequestration, and significantly reduces nitrous oxide emissions, one of the most significant climate-altering gases in agriculture. During extreme weather events, organic crops have achieved higher yields than conventional agriculture.

The DOK Trial, one of the largest and longest-running comparative trials conducted by the FiBL Institute in collaboration with Agroscope, has compared organic, biodynamic, and conventional farming systems since 1978. It also confirms that soils cultivated without synthetic chemicals contribute to reducing the climate impact of agriculture. The study's findings demonstrate that greenhouse gas emissions are 44% lower in organic soils compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, the organic approach, by promoting greater microbiological activity, improves soil structure and the ability to retain carbon and water in the humus. Finally, the results indicate that organic farming, thanks to more efficient water management and improved soil quality, is better able to withstand periods of drought.

"Food and climate are inextricably linked . Droughts, floods, and other extreme weather impacts are bringing agriculture to its knees, " emphasizes Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio . " Climate change is a reality that affects farmers, landscapes, and communities every day. The impacts of climate require a paradigm shift. It's not enough to produce more and then waste; we need to produce better, protecting the resources on which the future of agriculture itself depends. On World Environment Day, we want to remember that protecting the planet also depends on the food we put on our tables. Supporting organic means rewarding an agriculture that works with nature, not exploits it. The transition to organic systems is a crucial lever for combating desertification, erosion, and environmental degradation. Accelerating this change, however, requires a shared commitment capable of incentivizing a more sustainable agri-food system, capable of ensuring food and climate security."