Green Roots Festival: Soil, People, and the Seeds of Regeneration Badolato, Calabria – June 12–13, 2025   What happens when you bring together farmers, gardeners, dreamers, and doers from all corners of Calabria? When young people and elders, city dwellers and countryside veterans sit under the same olive tree to learn about soil life and microbial magic? Something powerful happens. Something that feels like regeneration—not only of agriculture, but of community. This was the spirit of the Green Roots Festival, a two-day workshop on regenerative farming and soil microbiology held at Terranima’s land in the hills of Badolato. The event was supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and hosted in collaboration with Slovak Eco Quality (SEQ).   From the very beginning, the energy was palpable. Participants arrived curious, open, and ready to dive in. Over 30 people each day, from different parts of Calabria and beyond, gathered to learn from Axel Torrejón, a Chilean agroecologist and consultant known for his engaging, hands-on approach to teaching. And the group? A beautiful mix. Farmers in their sixties stood next to young students; local food producers swapped ideas with hobby gardeners and permaculturists. It wasn’t just about microbes—it was about connection. Between people, between generations, and between humans and the soil. Soil, microbes… and something more Over two days, participants explored key concepts of soil health, plant nutrition, and natural resilience. They learned how to prepare biofertilizers, grow beneficial microorganisms, and even trap native fungi and bacteria from the local environment using simple, low-cost techniques. But more than that, they learned how to observe nature. Axel’s teaching style made even the most complex microbiology feel accessible. Despite the heat, the group stayed fully engaged. Laughter, questions, and “aha!” moments flowed freely. And when it came to the practical parts? People got their hands dirty. They mixed, observed, built, shared. Some even took rice traps home to see what tiny life forms they could collect from their own land. Regeneration Soil and Society There’s something special about watching strangers become collaborators. About seeing young people ask questions with spark in their eyes, and older farmers nod in deep understanding. What emerged during the festival was a kind of social regeneration—a reminder that agriculture isn’t just about food. It’s about culture, landscape, health, identity. And when people who care about these things come together, something begins to shift. Terranima aims to become a reference point for this kind of transformation—connecting people who share values and visions, and offering a space where new ideas can take root. Slow lunches, big ideas The long lunch breaks weren’t just about food (though the food was delicious). They were a time for networking, reflection, and exchange. People sat in the shade, shared stories, and made plans. Some want to collaborate. Others want to bring Axel back. Everyone wanted more. In fact, the most frequent feedback we received? “Let’s do this more often!” A community effort   None of this would have been possible without the incredible volunteers—Simone, Yamila, and Veda—who helped organize, host, guide, and support every detail of the event. Also, thanks to our neighbours and friends who agreed to use their space for parking, or borrowed chairs and straw bales. And yes, no plastic was used: everyone had a reusable cup labeled with a clothespin for their coffee and water. Looking Ahead The Green Roots Festival was just the beginning.   The response from participants was clear: there’s a real hunger in Calabria for practical knowledge, inspiration, and community around regenerative practices.   We’re already dreaming of the next edition—maybe in a cooler season, and maybe spread out over more days to give even more space for reflection and participation.   The seeds have been planted, and we can’t wait to see what grows. Special thanks to the Erasmus+ (Programme of the European Union), to our friends at Slovak Eco Quality (SEQ, Marco, Gabriela, Agnes and Kristina, and from BROZ.sk with Karolina and Mario), to Axel Torrejón for his passion and clarity, to Chiara and Paola for their help with translating, and to everyone who showed up ready to learn and share.   And of course, our deepest thanks to the volunteers, without whom none of this would have been possible.   Let’s keep growing, regenerating, and rooting ourselves in what matters. Participants during the event Axel showing some of the treatments Some of the preparations with rice and milk Participants Participants smelling soil Axel in action Axel explaining soil health Networking Networking Networking Axel presentation Participants Overview of the workshop Axel presenting Participants Chiara and Paola who helped with translation Marco and Gabriela from SEQ Group picture