Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food

338 Marco Carbonara – Using 10 species of animals to profitably regenerate 100 hectares of forgotten Italian land between Rome and Florence

Nov 26, 2024

Marco Carbonara, cofounder of Pulicaro Farm in Lazio, Italy, shares his journey in regenerative agriculture amidst a lively backdrop of diverse livestock. He discusses how integrating ten animal species has transformed forgotten land into a profitable, thriving ecosystem. Marco reflects on his initial uncertainties 20 years ago and the crucial role animals play in soil health and landscape regeneration. The conversation also touches on the complexities of sourcing feed sustainably and the importance of biodiversity in modern agriculture practices.

01:09:42

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Marco Carbonara

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Quick takeaways

Marco and Chiara have transformed their farming practices over 20 years, focusing on regenerative techniques to enhance ecological balance and productivity.

The integration of diverse animal species is essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing the effectiveness of regenerative agriculture on their farm.

Marco emphasizes the need for transparency in food production, advocating for a shift in perceptions towards regenerative agriculture and its sustainability benefits.

Deep dives

The Journey of Regeneration

Marco and Chiara, who started their farming journey 20 years ago with no prior experience, emphasize the potential of regenerating landscapes. Their farm, located in a remote yet ecologically rich area of Italy, has seen significant changes since they began. Initially drawn by the high quality of air and water, they focused on creating a productive system from the start, incorporating both plants and animals. This balanced approach helped them successfully integrate agriculture with the surrounding natural environment.

Intro

3min

Exploring Pulicaro Farm

5min

Integrating Animals and Plants for Ecosystem Restoration

2min

Regenerating Landscapes: A Journey in Ecology and Agriculture

5min

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Farming and Ecosystem Health

3min

Regenerating Agricultural Practices

4min

Integrating Animals for Regenerative Agriculture

18min

Soil Regeneration and Grazing Strategies

5min

Rethinking Biosecurity in Regenerative Agriculture

2min

10.

Embracing Biodiversity in Agriculture

4min

11.

Shifting Paradigms in Agriculture

18min

A conversation with Marco Carbonara, cofounder, owner and farmer at Pulicaro Farm, in Lazio, Italy. A special early morning walk through permanent pasture surrounded by multispecies graziers, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, chickens and, of course, some guard dogs, which means a lot of pleasant and present background sounds. We are in the hills between Rome and Florence and have the great pleasure to visit the farm of Marco and Chiara. Marco takes us on the morning walk to feel, smell, and see regeneration of permanent pastures in a Mediterranean landscape. Definitely not easy, but definitely possible, and yes, also profitable.

How did Marco, who had no farming experience 20 years ago, approach regeneration back then, and how does he approach it now? When they take on new lands, what are the first steps, and how much has he learned over the last 20 years? What is the role of animals in regenerating the Mediterranean landscape, and how does he handle the challenging balance between running a company, needing to break even, and wanting to regenerate as quickly as possible?

We also discuss the challenge of feed: is it okay to bring feed for the non-ruminants in your rotation from outside the farm when your soils can’t yet sustain needy plants like wheat, barley, etc.? And if it is, how do you deal with the challenge of potentially competing for human food? We only scratched the surface because it’s impossible to capture 20years of deep regeneration in just one hour, but we tried and we hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as we did recording it.
https://investinginregenerativeagriculture.com/marco-carbonara
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The above references an opinion and is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice.

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Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food

338 Marco Carbonara – Using 10 species of animals to profitably regenerate 100 hectares of forgotten Italian land between Rome and Florence

Episode guests