Biodivino 2025: Oltrepò Pavese Bets on the Future of Organic

Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Conference Hall of the Teatro Azzaretti in Fortunago (PV) hosted the 19th International BIODIVINO Review, an event promoted by ItaliaBio to celebrate the excellence of organic wine and outline the future of sustainable agriculture.

The event was inaugurated by Mayor Pierachille Lanfranchi, who welcomed the participants with an inspiring speech. He emphasized the crucial role of organic farming in protecting the territory, highlighting how initiatives like this, together with the establishment of the Bioslow Food District of Oltrepò Pavese, can represent a concrete opportunity for economic and environmental revitalization.

The event saw the participation of numerous experts and industry representatives, including Dr. Lillo Alaimo di Loro, President of ItaliaBio and promoter of the initiative, and Dr. Patrizio Dolcini from Legambiente Oltrepò Voghera. Also present were academic figures such as Prof. Lucrezia Lamastra and Prof. Edoardo Puglisi from the Catholic University of Piacenza, along with key figures from local institutions and associations, including Dr. Carola Manstretta from Slow Food Oltrepò Pavese and representatives from the Bioslow O.P. District, the Oltrepò Pavese Quality Wine District, and the Oltrepò DOC Wine Consortium.

The strong participation of producers and agricultural companies confirmed the growing interest in viticulture that is not only synonymous with excellence but also with environmental respect and innovation.

One of the key themes of the event was the need to rethink agricultural practices by adopting a more cohesive, efficient, and sustainable model. The various speeches emphasized the importance of creating producer networks, whether through associations or consortia, to ensure greater bargaining power and a more structured growth of the sector. At the same time, production chains need to be streamlined, making them more functional and less costly, so that businesses can operate with greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Another fundamental aspect discussed was the promotion of local products and territories. Adopting shared marketing strategies not only means enhancing local excellence but also making wine tourism a driver of regional development. Telling the story of Oltrepò Pavese’s organic wine through its history and traditions can attract new consumers and create a stronger connection between producers and the public.

Particular attention was given to the issue of product traceability, which today is an essential requirement for ensuring quality and transparency. Thanks to new technologies, such as blockchain, it is now possible to monitor every stage of production, from the vineyard to the bottle, providing consumers with clear and verifiable information on the origin and processing of products.

No less important was the discussion on the challenges posed by climate change. The agricultural sector is increasingly exposed to extreme weather events and the spread of new plant diseases, making it essential to adopt innovative techniques that reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity. The discussion highlighted the need to reduce chemical treatments, encourage less invasive cultivation techniques, and promote a more responsible use of natural resources, with a particular focus on water and energy conservation.

Finally, there was a debate on the circular economy and the need to create a more virtuous production cycle, where every waste product can become a resource. Only through an integrated and conscious approach will it be possible to give new life to Oltrepò Pavese’s agriculture, maintaining its deep-rooted traditions while looking toward the future.

Bringing all these initiatives together will be the Bioslow Food District of Oltrepò Pavese, which aims to connect the wine sector’s stakeholders and create concrete synergies for its development. The district will serve as a reference point for producers who want to invest in organic farming and sustainability, offering support, training, and shared growth opportunities.

The event concluded with a tasting of organic wines from Oltrepò Pavese, led by oenologist Gianni Giardina, an International Tasting Commissioner. Participants had the opportunity to savor the region’s finest wines, accompanied by a buffet of local specialties, in a convivial and enthusiastic atmosphere.

The overall impression throughout the event was one of great optimism. There is widespread awareness that the wine industry is undergoing a period of change, but also a strong willingness to face this transition with determination and an innovative spirit. The 19th edition of BIODIVINO demonstrated that the future of organic wine in Oltrepò Pavese is more promising than ever.