EROC Research Director
"The overarching goal of EROC is to conduct ground-breaking research, education, and dissemination activities to demonstrate the multiple benefits of regenerative organic agriculture for the supply chain of food, fiber, and organic active ingredients, as well as for human health and the resilience of agroecosystems in the face of environmental change."
Dario Fornara – EROC Research Director
Specialties
Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Pharmacognosy
Soil Ecosystem Ecology
Soil Biogeochemistry
Dr. Dario Fornara is the Research Director of the Davines Group - Rodale Institute European Regenerative Organic Center (EROC) in Parma, Italy. He earned a PhD in Ecology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2005. He later held a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, researching at the University of Minnesota (USA) and Lancaster University (UK). He was a Lecturer at Ulster University (UK) and led the Terrestrial Ecology and Soil Biogeochemistry program at AFBI in Belfast (2014–2022).
Dario has authored over 90 scientific publications and contributed to key Networks of Excellence, including FAO’s LEAP Partnership, the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) on Soil Organic Carbon, and the Global Research Alliance.
Selected Positions and Publications
Relevant Roles
Academic Background
Press and Publications
Relevant Roles
Academic Background
Press and Publications
What is Regenerative Organic Agriculture?
Regenerative Organic Agriculture includes practices like minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, cover cropping, avoiding synthetic inputs, and using organic fertilizers. These practices improve soil health and quality.
Though long recognized, regenerative principles have not been widely adopted, especially since chemical-intensive farming expanded over a century ago. This has led to soil dependency on synthetic inputs, creating a cycle where increasing chemical use is needed to maintain productivity while soil health declines.
Short Interview
1. Could you share your thoughts on the significance of biodiversity and regenerative practices in enhancing soil health, and how this contributes to the overall well-being of the planet and humanity?
"We need to create more sustainable, biodiverse and resilient agroecosystems in the face of climate change. To do this we need to work with nature rather than against it and regenerative organic agriculture provides tools and guidelines to improve soil health and the biological diversity of food-production systems."
2. What do you consider to be the main challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable soil management practices on a global scale?
"The promotion and implementation of the regenerative organic agriculture movement globally face socio-economic and political challenges. Public and private investments are needed to support farmers in the agroecological transition, along with political backing through new legislation and greater consumer awareness of the quality and benefits of regenerative organic products."
3. The goal of EROC is to cultivate the ingredients for our skincare products. How long do you anticipate it will take to complete this plan?
"EROC will remain a reference point for the regenerative organic movement for many years during which research, education and dissemination activities will be delivered to a very wide audience."
Short Interview
1. Could you share your thoughts on the significance of biodiversity and regenerative practices in enhancing soil health, and how this contributes to the overall well-being of the planet and humanity?
"We need to create more sustainable, biodiverse and resilient agroecosystems in the face of climate change. To do this we need to work with nature rather than against it and regenerative organic agriculture provides tools and guidelines to improve soil health and the biological diversity of food-production systems."
2. What do you consider to be the main challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainable soil management practices on a global scale?
"The promotion and implementation of the regenerative organic agriculture movement globally face socio-economic and political challenges. Public and private investments are needed to support farmers in the agroecological transition, along with political backing through new legislation and greater consumer awareness of the quality and benefits of regenerative organic products."
3. The goal of EROC is to cultivate the ingredients for our skincare products. How long do you anticipate it will take to complete this plan?
"EROC will remain a reference point for the regenerative organic movement for many years during which research, education and dissemination activities will be delivered to a very wide audience."
By Eve Merinville | Updated on February 5, 2025
Learn the key differences, and best skincare tips to soothe, protect, and restore your skin’s balance.
SEBACEOUS FILAMENTS AND BLACKHEADS
