News from Montespertoli - Regenerative Agriculture!

As we experience increasingly irregular weather & climate instability, this impacts agriculture and our food supply, Regenerative Agriculture-RA or farming is getting more attention.

What exactly is it? Why is it important?

According to Terra Genesis International, Regenerative Agriculture is defined as farming principles & practices that increase biodiversity, enrich soils, improve watershed and enhance the ecosystem. Regenerative farming assists in countering the effects of climate change to maintain the health of agriculture.

Part of R.A.’s goal is to protect soil. A precious and finite resource, soil is the earth’s largest water filter. Soil contains more carbon than above ground plant and vegetables and regulates carbon dioxide discharge in our atmosphere. R.A. management strives to keep carbon stored in the soil as Soil Organic Carbon-SOC. Acting as buffer against harmful substances, SOC improves nutrition, builds hardiness and promotes fertility in soil.

As a 22-year organic certified farmer and wine maker, Luca Nesi not only farms without chemicals or pesticides, his work includes building a nutrient rich, resilient, robust soil structure. After the fall harvest, Luca creates an ideal home for soil life by “feeding” it with compost and cover cropping via manure and minerals from natural sources such as artichokes, beet root, broad bean, clover, horse radish, lentils, ryegrass & sweet pea seeds. Broken down and absorbed by organisms this fosters carbon rich, hearty soil.

Measured surface raking aerates to ensure moisture is absorbed and soil can breathe. By trapping carbon in the dirt, soil is vigorous with deep root systems nourished and protected from diseases and pests. R.A. focus is on healthy soil life and biology to produces phytonutrient rich crops.

Resulting in clean, healthy, better tasting grapes and olives benefitting us and our environment.