Soulfood Forestfarms: agro-forestry and art merge south of Milan

Soulfood Forestfarms, a project blending regenerative agriculture, art, and community engagement, has been active since 2019 in Milan's Parco Agricolo della Vettabbia. Founded by Alessandro Di Donna, the initiative uses syntropic agriculture—inspired by Ernst Gotsch and Ursula Arztmann—to restore urban ecosystems. The 10-hectare site, chosen for its proximity to the Corvetto district and accessibility, features a food forest with diverse plant species that require minimal water and no pesticides. The project collaborates with Comune di Milano, Terzo Paesaggio, CasciNet, Madre project, Panificio Logoni, Università di Milano, and Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. It also hosts artistic interventions, including performances and soundscapes under the Genealogie del Futuro program, to foster interdisciplinary ecological and cultural transition. Future plans include community-driven agricultural programming, a self-built clay oven, and experimental regenerative architecture.