Inter-municipal Food Policy of Piana del Cibo- Italy #
Circular Farm is an urban farm that takes inspiration from the circularity found in nature. Our agricultural process focuses on the production of oyster mushrooms using coffee grounds from local bars and other products, such as medical mushrooms, micro-vegetables, flours, eggs, worm humus, and compost. Our process is innovative as it uses a vertical system of cultivation in shipping containers, allowing us to farm without using traditional land-based methods.
Problem addressed #
Every year in Italy, approximately 300,000 tons of coffee grounds are generated from around 120,000 bars. This waste typically ends up in the garbage and goes to waste without being utilized.
Objectives & implementation #
Thanks to the innovative process of Circular Farm, we revitalize the coffee grounds by using them for the cultivation of gourmet mushrooms. The residual mushroom compost is transformed into organic fertilizer, which is then used to enhance soil fertility.
Stakeholders #
The main beneficiaries of the Circular Farm model are bars, as it reduces the organic waste they produce, municipalities, and the community as a whole, as we provide healthy and locally sourced products.
Timescale #
The project started in Mrch 2014 and is currently ongoing.
Fields of application #
The main field of application for our project is aimed at farmers, schools, and SMEs. These target areas are important for promoting sustainable agriculture and educating future generations on the importance of local food systems. By working with farmers, we aim to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. By collaborating with schools, we aim to introduce students to healthy and locally sourced food options. And by supporting SMEs, we aim to increase the availability of locally sourced products in the market and promote sustainable food systems.
Transferability #
The Circular Farm model can easily be replicated in cities where there is a high production of coffee grounds and a demand for mushrooms. With the use of urban agriculture in shipping containers, the model allows for production to take place within the city itself.
Impact & Results #
Thanks to the Circular Farm model, reducing local organic waste production and creating sustainable urban agricultural systems can be achieved. The model also has significant impacts in education, training and the social sphere. Additionally, it enables the regeneration of abandoned urban areas for food production through urban agriculture.
