Fornara (Eroc): “Improving agriculture thanks to a regenerative movement”

“The main project of Eroc is to create a regenerative movement that can help improve the conditions of the soil, the health of plants and consequently of the food that is produced and of the people who consume it. In this context we will start several experiments, the the first concerns the comparison between regenerative agriculture (with organic and biological criteria) and conventional agriculture (with the use of pesticides). We will observe the changes that will develop in the soil and in the plants over the years “. Thus Dario Fornara, Research director of Eroc, the first European center of the Rodale Institute that will focus on the management of organic agriculture in a Mediterranean climate, as well as on the close relationship between ingredients for personal care and agriculture. “There is no single definition of regenerative agriculture – explains Fornara – but there are principles to follow. Minimal soil disturbance, do not use pesticides, herbicides and any chemicals that can damage the soil. The aim is to increase biodiversity, cover crops are used, plants that help cover and protect the soil in winter when it is not cultivated. Rotations in both time and space are also important ”. Also in Europe it will be possible to exploit the knowledge of the Rodale Institute refined in almost 80 years of history. “The Rodale Institute was the first to coin the term regenerative agriculture – concludes Fornara – They are the pioneers in this field and are good at educating the public and farmers in these principles. We have to learn this feature and bring it to Italy too ”.