Promoting Regenerative Farming Practices for Vialone Rice Variety
In the picturesque mountain village of Altissimo, nestled within the Lessinia Park in Vicenza, Elia Antoniazzi manages La Rindola farm. This 700-meter-high haven, surrounded by forests and meadows, is a testament to sustainable farming practices and a commitment to the environment.
Certified organic by Icea for over a decade, La Rindola farm is a shining example of Elia's dedication to eco-friendly farming. The farm grows a variety of produce, including mountain potatoes, Maranello corn, soft wheat, apples, and various vegetables, all cultivated using regenerative farming methods such as crop rotation and green manure.
Elia's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the farm's borders. He performs mowing, cutting, and haymaking interventions on the grassland surfaces, interventions that are partly supported by the Veneto Regional Rural Development Supplement (Csr). These activities not only contribute to protecting the environment and landscape but also combat the abandonment of mountain areas.
The Csr, which prioritizes organic farming, environmental impact reduction, and ecosystem restoration, aligns with the general objectives of rural development plans. These objectives include sustainable agriculture, economic development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion.
In the Veneto Region, the Csr 2023-2027 is a natural evolution from the 2014-2022 Rural Development Plan. Both plans focus on improving environmental protection, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing rural economies. However, the new plan places greater emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and climate action in organic farming.
The Csr is expected to increase support for organic farming with more targeted measures on organic production systems, organic livestock farming, and organic value chains. This could include enhanced subsidies for conversion and maintenance of organic farms, as well as specific programs for organic farm diversification and resilience.
Elia Antoniazzi, a young entrepreneur, has benefited from the Csr's support, receiving funds for various initiatives at La Rindola farm. In 2013, he also received support from the Psr for his activities as a young entrepreneur.
The Csr's objectives are not unlike those of the 2014-2022 Plan. Both plans aim to improve the quality of life in rural areas through better services and infrastructure, support local economies by fostering rural entrepreneurship and improving rural infrastructure, and implement measures to protect natural resources and address climate change.
As the Veneto Region continues to embrace sustainable practices and organic farming, La Rindola farm stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and a model for other farmers to follow. The future of agriculture in the region appears promising, with the Csr 2023-2027 aiming to improve the sector's resilience and environmental benefits through increased funding and targeted strategies.
- Elia Antoniazzi's commitment to the environment is not limited to his farm, as he also incorporates sustainable practices in food-and-drink production through the Csr's support.
- The health-and-wellness benefits of organic farming extend beyond personal consumption, as Elia's practices in La Rindola farm aim to reduce environmental impact and combat the abandonment of mountain areas.
- The environmental-science approach of La Rindola farm, with regenerative farming methods like crop rotation and green manure, aligns with the lifestyle promotion of healthier food choices and greater connection to nature.
- The fitness-and-exercise advocacy for a healthy lifestyle can be further supported by sustainable practices in food production, as exemplified by Elia's work with nutrient-rich, organic produce grown at La Rindola farm.
