Develop agricultural systems that favor soil regeneration from both an environmental and social point of view the goal of 'Beautiful and Good', the three-year project promoted by Davines Group e Barilla, two realities engaged in the cosmetic and food sectors. An idea born from the fact that 60-70 percent of all European soils are unhealthy. Or it is in conditions of real degradation due to unsuitable agricultural practices, pollution and urbanization.
"Beautiful and good" project
In agricultural areas, the soil has lost its natural balance in recent years due to intensive cultivation and the non-responsible use of pesticides. To restore it and enrich it with the organic substance lost over the years, areas dedicated to the project have been set up a few kilometers from Parma. It deals with 10 thousand square meters in which the agronomic research teams of the two companies have started the experimentation of the cultivation of cereals and plants intended for food. All intended for the rotation of the production of essences used by thecosmetic industry, such as lemon balm, calendula and lavender.
A practice, that of rotation, which consists in alternating the crops on the same land year after year, following a precise pattern that allows the different crops to take advantage of each other. This improves soil fertility and water management. “Our approach – explains Elena Bertè, agronomy research analyst of Barilla Group – is based on research, study and measurement. The term regenerative expresses in itself the concept of restoring the balance of the earth and the conservation of biodiversity”.
Increase the biological diversity of the soils
“The loss of organic matter in agricultural land fully reflects this degradation. The solution – specifies Dario Fornara, research director of the European regenerative organic center of the Davines Group – lies in the rediscovery of agricultural practices that favor natural biogeochemical processes. Processes that take place in the soil ecosystem, accumulating organic carbon in the soil and increasing the biological diversity of soils”.