🇮🇹 Agroforestry Secrets of Palermo’s Ancient Citrus Forests 🍋 [VALDIBELLA #5]

Palermo’s legendary Conca d’Oro was once a lush mosaic of citrus groves, vegetables, and ingenious water systems — a living example of regenerative agriculture centuries before the term existed. Today, only fragments remain, but they still hold powerful lessons for the future of farming, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration.

In this episode, we meet Tommaso La Mantia, ecologist, farmer, and member of the Valdibella Cooperative, who has spent his life studying and caring for these unique gardens. Tommaso explains how the Conca d’Oro worked like a natural forest: layered crops, closed nutrient cycles between animals, plants, and soil, and irrigation systems so advanced that they still impress modern scientists. He also shares why sustainable farming here now faces serious threats — from climate stress and honey fungus (Armillaria) to urban sprawl and political neglect — and what it will take to revive this heritage.

You’ll hear surprising insights into how soil health and nutrient density were once safeguarded through circular systems, why farmers are forced to become water engineers, and how agroecology is inspiring a new generation of young Sicilians. At the heart of the conversation is Tommaso’s deeply personal story of learning from his father in the fields and his hope that Palermo will rediscover its roots before they are lost.

Follow the podcast for more stories from the Valdibella mini-series, and share this episode with a friend who cares about the future of food and farming.

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❤️ This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health & biodiversity.

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🔗Useful links: 

• Valdibella - https://valdibella.com/

• Deep Seed podcast - https://www.deepseed.eu/

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