Farms4Climate roundtables begin with the Egyptian team’s visit to Southern Italy

Regenerative practices, climate resilience, and agritech innovation were the main axes of the exchange between SEKEM, Agreenment, and UNIBAS, who shared two days filled with visits to local farms and a circular economy company, a workshop on Carbon Farming, and discussions on integrating research to real-world applications.

Agreenment and UNIBAS recently hosted the first Farms4Climate roundtable between Living Labs (LLs) at the EcoFruit LL in Southern Italy, welcoming Egyptian partners from SEKEM LLs. The event spanned two full days, filled with visits and activities in the Basilicata and Puglia regions, focusing on sharing insights and best practices and exploring innovations in regenerative agriculture.

On the first day, participants visited Dimitra and New Crops farms, where the focus was on sustainable irrigation systems, compost applications, wind energy use, and precision farming technologies. These farms, which grow peaches and kiwis, demonstrate a blend of innovative agriculture with regenerative practice applications, despite challenges related to climate change affecting crop quality and yield. Participants also engaged in discussions on agritech innovation, sustainable practices, crop resilience, and water efficiency at the research facilities of the regional agency for agricultural development and innovation (ALSIA). ALSIA emphasized the integration of research with real-world applications to support farmers facing climate challenges.

On the second day, a workshop at UNIBAS explored EU Carbon Farming schemes, highlighting carbon credits, policy frameworks, and satellite-based monitoring tools. The program underscored the potential of carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change and provide financial incentives for farmers. The event concluded with a visit to TERSAN Puglia, where participants explored composting and biogas production processes. The company's operations exemplified circular economy practices, transforming organic waste into renewable energy and high-quality compost.

Overall, the first Farms4Climate roundtable between Living Labs fostered international collaboration and promoted knowledge exchange on sustainable agriculture, providing practical insights into regenerative practices, climate resilience, and agritech innovation. In particular, it enabled partners from SEKEM to explore the operational processes, agricultural practices, and sustainability initiatives at the Southern Italy Living Lab, with a focus on fruit production and farm management.