National Agriculture Day, November 9

This is the daily challenge of organic and biodynamic farmers, committed to protecting the agrobiodiversity and cultural heritage of Italy's landscapes.

On the occasion of National Agriculture Day , established by Law 24 of February 28, 2024 to enhance the role of farmers in protecting the environment and the land, FederBio reaffirms the centrality of those who cultivate without chemical inputs, protagonists of the agroecological transition that protects the environment and combats the climate crisis.

Organic is not just a production method, but a vision that places the agroecosystem at its core. The knowledge of farmers and rural communities is key to building sustainable and resilient food systems based on food sovereignty.

Natural agronomic practices adopt a holistic approach that enhances local characteristics and integrates crop varieties, animal breeds, and pollinating insects, such as bees, to increase the diversity of local ecosystems. They require higher levels of professional expertise than conventional agriculture, which relies on standardized methods.

In Italy, an increasing number of young people and women are choosing to return to farming and do so sustainably. With 97,160 organic farmers (up 137.18% since 2004), 89% of whom (87,042) are farms, Italy ranks first in Europe in terms of the number of organic farmers. Furthermore, in our country, the agricultural area cultivated without chemicals has reached 20%, double the European average.

Several studies show that organic farming can significantly improve soil health and ecosystem services.

A recent analysis published in Ecosystem Services shows that regenerative organic agriculture (ROAg) plays a crucial role in soil health: 64% of the ecosystem services assessed in the studies included showed positive effects. The research, which examined 24 studies (from 2008 to 2024), indicates average increases in soil organic carbon of 22% compared to conventional methods, 28% in total nitrogen, and 133% in microbial biomass carbon. The evidence therefore reinforces the crucial role of regenerative organic practices for sustainable food systems and more resilient farms.

Water quality also benefits from large-scale organic adoption, as nutrient pollution is reduced. The study, published in Water, compared organic and conventional farms along five rivers in the Nemunas Basin, analyzing 324 surface water samples and 828 groundwater samples. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were significantly lower near organic farms, intermediate in surface waters, and highest near intensive conventional farms. To reduce the ecological impact of agriculture, the authors recommend expanding organic farming to up to 25% of farmland.

"National Agriculture Day is an opportunity to celebrate the value of organic and biodynamic farmers, committed every day to protecting the soil, nature, and the environment," emphasizes Maria Grazia Mammuccini , President of FederBio. " They are virtuous workers who love their land, understand the climate, and understand the relationship between plants and the environment. This knowledge is applied to innovation consistent with the vocation of the territories. While in conventional agriculture the goal is to nourish the plant by focusing on immediate yield increases, in organic farming the goal is to nourish the land to maintain its fertility and ensure stable production, capable of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

Due to its ability to integrate soil protection, biodiversity, and health with sustainable and inclusive business models, organic farming represents a key paradigm for the future of agriculture and food: not only on an agronomic and environmental level, but also on an economic and social level, offering innovative solutions that benefit the entire agricultural sector.