THE AGROFOREST OF XFARM

Searching for a balance between agriculture and nature.

The project “The Agroforest of XFarm” arises from the desire to experiment with new possibilities for the agricultural, social, and economic landscape of the Puglia region, promoting diversification of the XFarm landscape and territory, in response to the crisis of monoculture olive farming in Puglia caused by the recent and invasive phenomenon of olive tree dieback.

This experiment is of particular importance in the context of the agro-ecological regeneration process carried out by the company, developing an agroforestry model that proposes a different vision of agriculture and land management, capable of generating high-quality products, regenerating natural resources, and promoting community aggregation.

WHAT IS AN AGROFOREST?

An agroforest is a dynamic and associative system that integrates agricultural, forestry, and/or zootechnical functions, based on an ecological management of resources through the introduction of trees and other perennial plants into crops.

The greater resilience offered by an agroforest comes from emulating natural ecosystems, utilizing various spatial and temporal arrangements that maximize photosynthesis and reduce the need for external inputs such as water, amendments, and pesticides.

The two fundamental natural mechanisms that are replicated are stratification and the temporal succession of crops. The main goal of these practices is soil protection, achieved through constant coverage with live or decomposing vegetation (mulching).

The aim of this practice is to manage based on ecological systems and the sustainable use of natural resources. Through the integration of trees into the agricultural system, it diversifies and supports production to increase the social, economic, and environmental benefits of land use at all levels.

PHASE 1 – 2020/2022

The first prototype of agroforestry was developed as an addition to an existing centuries-old olive grove within the Radical School project – “From Agromafias to Social Agriculture,” funded under notice no. 2/2017 “Innovative Social Anti-Mafia Sites: Education for Active Citizenship and Urban Fabric Improvement,” in collaboration with the University of Foggia and ZeroCO2, an innovative startup engaged in high-impact social reforestation initiatives.

In January 2022, collaboration with the University of Foggia was initiated through the signing of a framework agreement aimed at creating pilot actions for the reconstruction of olive groves affected by rapid dieback. Specifically, a 10-month scholarship program was promoted, starting in May 2022, co-financed by the cooperative Qualcosa di Diverso and the University of Foggia. The collaboration with the University of Foggia also funded a research grant called “Share-Food Forest – Design and Experimental Implementation of an Agroforestry Prototype for the Landscape Regeneration of Olive Groves Affected by Xylella,” funded under the RIPARTI notice (Research Grants for ReSTARTing with Businesses) by the Puglia Region.

In 2022, the agroforestry project as a model for rethinking the landscape of Salento won the “Rinascere dalla Xylella” call for ideas launched by the University of Salento and Banca Sella.

On March 19-20, 2022, the planting of the first prototype of the XFarm Agroforest took place in a public event that encouraged the involvement and direct participation of the local community, opening the doors of XFarm as a Common Park. (Read more on our blog!) (Read more on our blog!)

500 plants of 25 different plant species were planted, including Carob (Ceratonia siliqua), Holm Oak (Quercus ilex), Hackberry (Celtis australis), Mulberry (Morus), Pear (Pyrus), Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Fig (Ficus carica), Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), Mimosa (Acacia dealbata), and Pink Pepper (Schinus molle).

In the summer of 2023, during the E!state Liberi! engagement and training camp, 800 Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) plants were planted between the rows, along with aromatic plants – such as Mint (Mentha arvensis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Verbena (Verbena officinalis) – and annual vegetable plants typical of the garden – such as tomato, pumpkin, garlic, and sweet potato – to supplement the business income.

PHASE 2 – 2023

The agroforestry project has become one of the main areas of experimentation and research related to the management of the XFarm agricultural company, as well as an interesting regional experiment as a model for landscape regeneration, particularly in areas affected by rapid olive dieback.

With the aim of deepening the experimentation, the project now enters a new phase, with the goal of transforming an additional 5 hectares of olive groves into at least two more agroforestry experimental models over the next two years, seeking to create examples and inspiration for the surrounding area, and beyond.

The first step involves the AGES – AGroforesta Ecologica Sociale project, within the “Spazi Verdi” call, supported by the Otto per Mille funds of the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, in partnership with Deafal ONG. The AGES project will enable the implementation of an additional 2.5 hectares of agroforestry system and the creation of awareness, education, and training activities on agroecological topics for the local community and all workers interested in this type of experimentation.