In today’s episode we speak with Cristina Micheloni from the Italian Association for Organic Farming (AIAB). This insightful discussion offers a deep dive into the realm of organic farming in Italy and its potential to shift global agricultural practices towards sustainability.
Cristina leads us through the role of the AIAB, a unique organization encompassing not only organic farmers, but also processors, traders, researchers, advisors, municipalities, and most importantly, consumers. From lobbying to education, advisory to campaigning, discover how the AIAB champions the organic farming sector.
Get introduced to the AIAB's pioneering work in promoting organic food in primary schools, making Italy a trailblazer in this initiative. Uncover the fascinating aspects of organic farming and consumption in Italy, its impact on local communities, economy, and landscape.
This episode also explores the ambitious goals set by the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy. Learn about the target of 25% organic land by 2030 and its feasibility. Cristina elaborates on the European Action Plan for organic farming and its multifaceted approach to achieving these goals.
We also discuss the importance of expanding organic farming beyond Italy's well-known export foods, like Chianti, Prosecco, and Parmesan, into staple commodity crops. Hear Cristina's thoughtful observations on the necessity of consumer alliances, the reduction of animal products, and minimization of food waste.
This episode offers a wealth of insights into the pivotal role of organic farming in shaping a sustainable future for global agriculture. It's a must-watch for those passionate about agriculture, sustainability, and the global food system. Tune in to join this compelling conversation.
Looking for additional insight? Catch the full episode here.
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Barbara Bray -
Roger Kerr -
Jeff Moyer -
Cristina Micheloni
- According to studies, consumers who buy organic food are 36% less likely to be exposed to pesticides than those who do not.
- A growing amount of studies also reveals that organic foods are high in minerals like iron, magnesium, and vitamin C, all of which are essential for optimum health.
- Organic farming is the most strictly controlled and closely monitored food production system in the United States.
In this series
MBE, PHD RESEARCHER AND CONSULTANT IN NUTRITION, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST
Barbara is a PhD researcher in nutrition at Queen’s University Belfast, a TEDx speaker and director of her own consultancy, Alo Solutions Ltd.
She speaks at food and agriculture events, she has spoken on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today and represented the Private Sector Mechanism in speeches at the UN Committee for Food Security in Rome.
Barbara is passionate about diet and food. Her Nuffield Farming project on ‘Vegetable Production For Specific Nutritional Need’ looked at international food policies and private initiatives to promote consumption of vegetables that benefit our health.
Roger Kerr comes from a farming background and has worked on various farms over the years. He helped establish Calon Wen, the Welsh organic dairy farmers co-operative in 2000 and became their Managing Director. Calon Wen were the first ever to secure a branded organic milk listing in a U.K. major retailer along with developing branded butter and cheese lines.
Roger is also Chairman of the U.K. Certifiers Group, the U.K. representative on the IFOAM EU Council, the Director of Finance of the Organic Trade Board and the Pasture Fed Livestock Association, and a Trustee of the Organic Research Centre.
Jeff has been working at Rodale Institute for over 45 years and became CEO in September of 2019. He was project leader for the highly acclaimed Organic No-Till project and is the author of two books on this subject: “Organic No-Till Farming – Advancing No-Till Agriculture Crops, Soil, Equipment” and “Roller/Crimper No-Till – Advancing No-Till Agriculture.” His vast experience and knowledge regarding organic farming has provided the media with a reliable source and perspective for information on current agricultural issues.
Cristina Micheloni is an agronomist with a degree in Ecological Agriculture from Wageningen University, and has been engaged in organic farming since early '90s, when she set up the first Documentation and Dissemination Centre for Organic Farming in Italy. Cristina combines advisory activity with on-farm research and regulatory development. In her Region, Friuli Venezia Giulia, she established a specialized advisory service for organic farmers. In the last years, she started several experimental activities on-farm on topics such as organic no-till, new value chains and plant-based proteins.
