The II Italian Agroforestry Forum at AEMED 2025 in Sicily
Organised by the Sicilian Coordination for Agroecology, AIDA (Italian Association of Agroecology), and EURAF member, association AIAF (Italian Agroforestry Association), the first International Congress of Mediterranean Agroecology AEMED 2025, 9-12 June Agrigento (Italy), brought together a vibrant and diverse group of researchers, farmers, technicians, and representatives from agricultural associations and nonprofit organisations.
It was a great opportunity to connect with experiences and expertise from all around the Mediterranean. It also helped bring fresh energy to the conversation around agroforestry in an international setting. This exchange took place during a dedicated session of the Second National Agroforestry Forum, held over the first two days of the congress.
AIAF also helped organise a guided visit to the beautiful “Giardino della Kolymbethra” and the almond groves in the Valley of the Temples, part of a day focused on exploring local farms and agroecological experiences. The technical and scientific sessions, accompanied by a full program of side events, welcomed over 400 participants from 28 countries. Talks focused on agroforestry emphasised the essential role of trees and their interactions with crops and livestock highlighting their importance in tackling climate change, both in fertile areas and in more vulnerable parts of the Mediterranean.
Photo by Coordinamento Agroecologia Sicilia. International Congress of Mediterranean Agroecology AEMED 2025.
Polli nell’oliveto in Umbria – Adolfo Rosati (CRE) e Piero Paris (IBAF-CNR)
Noteworthy presentations also addressed the economic sustainability of agroforestry systems. Beyond the scientific aspects, the congress stood out as a powerful moment of openness and dialogue. It welcomed participants from all over the world, including countries currently facing serious conflicts. In this spirit, the event became a space for connection and listening reaffirming values like reason, solidarity, and brotherhood, values we need now more than ever. AIAF proudly supported this spirit, emphasising the importance of nurturing human relationships as a key foundation for peaceful coexistence.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the institutions and all the individuals who helped organise and run the event with special gratitude to the Sicilian Coordination for Agroecology whose dedication and hard work made the congress a real success.
Find out more about agroforestry in Italy!
