On May 21, 2025, the DIVERSE project partners gathered at the Vallevecchia Pilot Farm in Caorle, Veneto, for a hands-on exploration of how regenerative agriculture can contribute to both sustainable bioenergy production and biodiversity conservation. Hosted by Veneto Agricoltura, the event was part of a broader two-day Partner Project Meeting (PPM) in the region and served as a compelling showcase of innovation at the crossroads of agroecology and circular economy.
A Living Laboratory for Innovation
Vallevecchia is more than a farm — it’s a living laboratory. The visit focused on an ongoing pilot action under the DIVERSE project: testing the application of biogas digestate and wood chips as soil conditioners to boost soil organic carbon, reduce chemical inputs, and support soil biodiversity. This approach aligns with the ACFO regenerative farming framework, which integrates minimum tillage, continuous soil cover, diverse crop rotations, and precision fertilization to restore and sustain healthy soils.
Participants had the opportunity to engage with the “Open Farm – Open Protocol” model pioneered by Veneto Agricoltura. This innovative approach to knowledge transfer ensures that all stakeholders — from researchers and technicians to farmers and policymakers — can access clear, practical information about experimental trials in real time. Printed and digital booklets outline objectives, field layouts, and methods in simple language, and all trial sites remain open for public viewing throughout the season.
Field Demonstrations: From Soil Biology to Circular Bioenergy
During the visit, the DIVERSE team witnessed field demonstrations of soil monitoring techniques used to evaluate the impact of digestate and wood chip application. These included:
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Biomass determination (Méthode Merci)
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Soil biodiversity assessment using the QBS-ar index
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Soil structure analysis via the Slake test (picture down below)
These methods are helping determine whether solid digestate — derived from anaerobic digestion of agro-livestock biomass — can safely and effectively replace chemical fertilizers while supporting ecological integrity.
The visit also featured a tour of Vallevecchia’s on-site heating and cooling system, powered by wood chips obtained from tree pruning on the farm itself. This closed-loop energy system exemplifies how agriculture and bioenergy production can operate within a circular economy framework.
Reflections and Next Steps
Feedback from the visit was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the clarity and depth of the information presented, particularly regarding soil management techniques. However, several attendees expressed interest in expanding future visits to include more information about forestry and the natural ecosystems surrounding the pilot area, such as wetlands and dunes.
As DIVERSE continues to refine its Open Dialogue Toolkit, insights from the Vallevecchia pilot and the “Open Farm – Open Protocol” methodology will inform broader strategies to scale biodiversity-positive bioenergy across the Alpine Space.
