SENNA

Young Farmers Awarded for Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Parma, Italy - Two young Italian farmers have been awarded €10,000 each for their pioneering work in agroecology and regenerative agriculture. The winners of the second edition of the "The Good Farmer Award" were announced at the Davines Group Village in Parma.

The award, organized by the Davines Group in collaboration with the Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile, recognizes farmers under the age of 35 who have already launched projects in the field of agroecology and regenerative organic farming. This year's edition also included dairy and livestock farms focused on animal welfare and extensive farming practices that improve agro-ecosystems.

Alessia Mazzù, 32, of the agricultural cooperative Co.r.ag.gio - Cooperativa Romana Agricoltura Giovani, was awarded for "transforming an abandoned public land into a place of environmental and social regeneration." Luca Quirini, 28, founder of the Quira farm, was also recognized for his work.

"These young farmers are at the forefront of the transition towards more sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices," said Riccardo Valentini, President of the Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile. "Their innovative approaches not only benefit the environment, but also create new models for the future of farming."

The award comes at a critical time, as the agriculture sector faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Regenerative farming techniques like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated livestock systems have been shown to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and boost biodiversity.

"Initiatives like The Good Farmer Award play a vital role in supporting the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders," noted industry analyst Sara Bianchi. "As consumers demand more environmentally-friendly food production, these pioneering farmers are positioning themselves to meet that growing market need."

The €10,000 prizes will allow Mazzù and Quirini to further invest in materials and improvements to scale up their agroecological practices. Their success underscores the potential for young, innovative farmers to drive the transition to a more sustainable food system in Italy and beyond.