This is a portion of the 12 hectare estate belonging to 'Li Matonni', a farm located in Erchie (BR), Italy, that over 2 years ago decided to take the plunge and join our carbon farming project. This is where everything started for [Alberami | Regenerative Farming](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberami/) - what is today considered 'Farmer 0,' our genesis.

Back in late 2021, our farming 'protocol' consisted of 5 new agronomic practices. Things weren't very clear to us either; we were still trying to figure out a way to assist olive farmers with crops affected by **QODS/Xylella *fastidiosa***** and were starting to grasp the importance of regenerative agriculture within the context of pathology-stricken crops and in the context of woody perennial crops as a whole.

During our project's development, validation, and verification process, many farmers were interested, and a lot joined but then abandoned due to a 'lack of results'. Those who work in this environment know that developing a carbon project is not for the faint of heart and that a large dose of resilience is key.

From a farmer's perspective, joining a carbon program that isn't yet providing financing for the carbon it sequesters takes guts and a firm belief in the power of the practices that are the core of that project. Continuing to believe in a project and vision, even after long and frustrating delays, takes a special kind of individual, one that values time but also believes in the key message.

Today, Li Matonni is the place we take farmers to visit, to show them what is possible - the pride shown by their owners, Ascanio and Paride, in their work is amazing, and they have since become personal friends and firm proponents of regenerative agricultural practices and of the project in their town and province.

On this farm, several practices have been applied which have contributed to the success, in terms of production, resilience, biodiversity, and, of course, carbon sequestration.

In no particular order, these are:

* The farm is organic certified, so it uses zero pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
* No till with permanent grass cover for 9-10 months of the year (made possible by a drip irrigation system).
* Cover crops with leguminous plants sown via sod seeding.
* Organic fertiliser with manure and wastewater from the in-house milling operations.
* Intercropping with vegetables (on 2 hectares of the estate).
* Pruning residue is composted, used as mulch or as alternative heat source.
* The use of granular soil and foliar amendments such as Zeolite and Kaolin.
* Hedges and windbreakers made up of 100% local flora (including fruit trees, medicinal herbs and berry shrubs) have been established and maintained around most of the perimeter of the estate.

**The results since January 2022 speak for themselves:**

The amount of local fauna has increased considerably, which acts as a natural deterrent to olive fruit fly; water consumption has dropped as the root system has now been established and is in a state of balance; the quality and quantity of olive oil produced have increased, with measured higher concentrations of polyphenols and a whole host of other beneficial properties.

This has provided the farmers with a product of higher value and a corresponding higher demand from health-conscious, savvy consumers.

To top it all off, [Alberami | Regenerative Farming](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberami/) has provided them with the opportunity to generate and market their excess carbon sequestration through carbon credits, which has provided the economic support and reward for their belief, stamina, and hard work.

What is not to like about this??

If are curious to hear about our project, the impact it is having on farms throughout Italy or are interested in acquiring high quality, high integrity carbon credits, please do note hesitate to contact us at [hello@alberami.it](mailto\:hello@alberami.it) or call +39 351 821 4474.&#x20;

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Baseline additionality. Compared to the baseline scenario the project needs to mitigate climate change. That is the project must implement actions that are additional to what would occur compared to the baseline.

Level 1 additionality

Statutory additionality. The project must implement actions that are beyond requirements stipulated in local legislation or regulations. Projects are statutory additional if their implementation and/or operation is not required by any law, statute, or other regulatory framework, agreements, settlements, or other legally binding mandates requiring implementation and operation or requiring implementation of similar measures that would result in the same mitigations in the host country.

Level 2a additionality

Technology, institutional, common practice additionality. The project must implement actions that are subject to barriers of implementation or accelerate deployment of technology or activities and carbon market incentives are essential in overcoming these barriers.

Level 3 additionality

Financial additionality II. The project is financially additional if it faces significant financial limitations that revenues from the sale of carbon credits mitigates or are revenues due to the sale of carbon credits are the only source of revenues. When carbon credit revenues are a precondition for the implementation of the project and/or carbon credit revenues are essential in maintaining the project operations and ongoing financial viability post-implementation, then they are considered to be financial additional II.

Level 4b additionality

Europe

AgroEcology_Italy

ISO 14064-2

The C-Farms framework, Verra's VM0042 Version 1.0 methodology, and the CDM's AR-AMS0007 Version 3.1 framework are all incorporated into the project's methodological framework, which serves as the project's foundation.

Our project, by offering Italian farmers financial incentives and expert guidance to adopt sustainable land management practices, plays a pivotal role in enhancing their income and overall economic prosperity. This empowerment directly addresses SDG 1's goal of eradicating poverty, particularly in the regions where our project is implemented. Through economic upliftment and sustainable practices, we are actively contributing to the reduction of poverty, fostering more resilient and prosperous communities in these areas.

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

SDG 1: End poverty

Our initiative is committed to SDG 2, 'Zero Hunger,' by implementing sustainable food production systems and fostering resilient agricultural practices. We aim to increase agricultural output and productivity while simultaneously preserving ecosystems. Additionally, our efforts enhance communities' capacity to adapt to climate change, extreme weather events, droughts, floods, and other disasters. Through our work, we are gradually improving the quality of land and soil. Ultimately, our mission is to contribute significantly to ending hunger and achieving food security by ensuring sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

SDG 2: No Poverty

 The Project aligns with SDG 8 by championing sustainable and regenerative farming practices and new, stimulating al nature-aligned ways of farming. We prioritise minimising our environmental footprint through resource-efficient techniques, guided by financial incentives and expert advice. By doing so, we not only promote economic growth within our community but also lower waste and enhance overall efficiency, all while providing meaningful and dignified work opportunities for everyone involved

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Through sustainable agricultural practices such as precision farming and organic methods, we optimize land use, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable industrialization.

Innovation is at our core, with the use of cutting-edge technologies like data analytics and blockchain, enhancing farming efficiency and fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.

Our project invests in climate-resilient infrastructure, including climate-smart storage and irrigation systems, to ensure the durability of agricultural operations, aligning directly with SDG 9's call for resilient infrastructure. By creating jobs, supporting small-scale farmers, and promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas, we drive inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, fuelling economic growth where it's needed most. Empowering local communities with sustainable farming knowledge fosters innovation at the grassroots level and aligns with SDG 9's capacity-building goals. Collaborative partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations and research institutions leverage collective knowledge and resources to drive sustainable agricultural practices, aligning perfectly with SDG 9's emphasis on partnerships.

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

We actively promote sustainable and responsible consumption by producing high-quality, environmentally friendly agricultural products. Through our regenerative farming practices, we minimize waste and optimize resource use, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Our commitment to responsible production and consumption aligns with the goals of SDG 12, fostering a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.


Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Our carbon farming project is at the forefront of SDG 13, 'Climate Action,' as we actively combat climate change. Through regenerative farming practices and responsible land use, we sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating its impact on the climate. By adopting sustainable agricultural methods, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate-resilient ecosystems. Our dedication to climate action aligns with the global effort to limit global warming, safeguarding our planet's future for generations to come

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

SDG 13: Climate Action

Our project actively advances SDG 15 by promoting sustainable land management practices. Through these efforts, we aim to mobilize and substantially increase financial resources from various sources to conserve and sustainably utilize biodiversity and ecosystems. Our focus extends to farming regions, where the protection and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity are of utmost importance. By fostering sustainable land management, we play a pivotal role in safeguarding the delicate balance of life on land and ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our natural environment

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

SDG 15: Life on Land

Our project facilitates collaboration among agricultural, industrial, and service companies, fostering a unified effort to promote sustainable farming practices and trade excess CO2 sequestration on the international voluntary market. This innovative partnership approach holds the potential to expedite progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By uniting diverse sectors and leveraging their strengths, we create a synergy that can drive substantial positive change, making significant strides towards the attainment of the SDGs.

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Afforestation and reforestation

Agriculture

This project is dedicated to empowering Italian farmers through the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, including tree planting and agroforestry. We provide vital financial incentives and expert guidance to overcome adoption barriers. By championing sustainability, we significantly contribute to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, while transforming Italy's agricultural landscape for a more sustainable future.

AgroEcology_Italy Reducing GHG Emissions and Increasing Carbon Sequestration in Italian Agriculture

Italy

Agriculture

ISO 14064-2

Alberami S.r.l.

Italy