Objective? Ensure all-round protection of biodiversity without affecting quality.
Inama Agricultural Company of Inama Stefano and Giuseppe ( Veneto ), Meroi Agricultural Company (Friuli Venezia Giulia) , Gradis'ciutta (Friuli Venezia Giulia) , Le Piane Boca (Piedmont) , La Torre alle Tolfe (Tuscany) , Tenuta Luisa (Friuli Venezia) Giulia) , Tenuta Stella (Friuli Venezia Giulia) , Vecchie Terre di Montefili (Tuscany) , Vinarija Kozlović (Croatia) : these are the nine companies that, starting from 2020, have undertaken the certification process which today represents a real revolution in agricultural field.
Diversity Ark, in fact, approaches agriculture with a new philosophy of thought, proposing a holistic vision that aims to fully protect the biodiversity present in the field.
Designed by agronomists Stefano Amadeo and Stefano Zaninotti, the certification introduces an absolutely innovative model of sustainable agriculture, pursuing integral protection of biodiversity as well as preventing the alteration of ecosystems due to human intervention. “Our vision focuses on the long-term health of the soil and responsible production. Seeing these nine companies embrace and implement our principles is a source of great satisfaction and pride” commented Amadeo and Zaninotti.
From the data obtained through the meticulous evaluation that was carried out and which considers 10 essential indicators to determine the health of the soil and crops, an extremely positive picture emerges: "These indicators - states Stefano Zaninotti - which range from the content of organic substance to the between predators and prey, up to the presence of plastic in the environment, form the basis of our unique and cutting-edge system for agroecosystem analysis. We are pleased to see that all the vineyards examined achieved high agroecological ratings , with scores which start from a minimum of 68 out of 100. This is a clear signal of quality and commitment to sustainability . Furthermore, we observed a notable variety of pollinators and a balanced predator-prey dynamic in all the vineyards , a symptom of an environment in health. Another noteworthy aspect is the almost total absence of plastic, which demonstrates the concrete commitment of our companies to reducing the environmental impact of the materials used."
The certification, registered with EUIPO and certified at European level by the CSQA body , is the result of years of collaboration and research. In addition to promoting greater biodiversity, Diversity Ark is committed to making the bureaucratic processes associated with certifications more efficient and less burdensome, thus encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices. In this regard, Davide Troncon , head of the Forestry & Biodiversity Division of CSQA Certifications , reports that "the Diversity Ark scheme within the panorama of certification schemes in the wine world is proposed as a positive element for the valorisation of products and related territories . The scheme, in fact, contains some innovative and challenging elements and requirements which represent a response to the growing demand for sustainability from consumers and the community in a sector which is often considered among the major sources of pollution and cause of biodiversity loss. There is still a long way to go but the voluntary participation by these virtuous companies in schemes that have the objective of sustainability gives hope for the future".
And looking to the future, certified companies will enjoy the benefits of certification for the next five years, after which they will proceed with renewal. Certification offers not only recognition of the commitment to sustainability, but also tangible added value, with the possibility of displaying the Diversity Ark sticker on products.
“Celebrating this milestone – concludes Amadeo – we congratulate the pioneering companies that have demonstrated that environmentally friendly and productive agriculture is not only possible, but is also the way forward for a more sustainable future.”
