How agroecology can save Sicily from desertification [VALDIBELLA - #3]

In this inspiring episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, ecologist and researcher Rafael Bueno reveals why the future of farming depends on reconnecting with nature. 

From the deserts of Sicily to the forests of Brazil, Rafael shows how biodiversity, soil health, and trees hold the secret to building farms that are not only more resilient to climate change but also more productive and profitable. His stories from Valdibella offer proof that farmers can transform degraded land into thriving ecosystems, while producing abundant, high-quality food.

Rafael challenges the biggest myths in agriculture: that trees steal land from farmers, that chemicals are necessary for productivity, and that nature and farming are destined to be in conflict. Instead, he shares powerful examples of agroforestry, food forests, and soil restoration that increase yields, store water, and protect against desertification. 

Along the way, we dive into the economics of farming, exploring how subsidies, policies, and payment for ecosystem services could reshape the future of food systems worldwide.

If you care about the future of farming, food, and our planet, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s a deep dive into the science, practice, and hope of regenerative agriculture and why the choice we face is clear: return to the forest, or slide into desertification.

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👩‍🌾 About the Guest: Rafael Bueno is a Brazilian ecologist and researcher at the University of Palermo. His work focuses on the role of ecological interactions, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture. Passionate about applying science in the field, Rafael collaborates closely with farmers and cooperatives such as Valdibella in Sicily, helping to design agroecological systems that restore soil health, increase resilience to climate change, and prove that farming and nature can thrive together.

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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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