DARIO CORTESE
Regenerative Horticulturist, Educator and Agroecology Researcher
Dario Cortese is a regenerative horticulturist, educator and consultant working at the intersection of soil biology, plant physiology and ecosystem design. His work focuses on developing highly productive farming and gardening systems by consciously aligning human activity with natural processes.
At the core of his research lies a simple question:
What is the role of the human being within the ecosystem?
In 2020, Dario co-founded Living Soil Garden, a no-dig market garden in Exeter (UK). Since 2023, he has co-managed OrtoForesta, a regenerative farm near Florence, where agroecology, agroforestry and living soil practices are applied to real food production.
Before dedicating himself fully to agriculture, Dario worked as a university researcher and lecturer in Biophysics and Mathematics in Exeter, with previous research in Bristol (UK) and San Diego (USA). His academic work focused on the movement of microorganisms in soil and the dynamics of active biological fluids, research that now directly informs his understanding of soil life and regenerative farming.
Alongside managing OrtoForesta, Dario facilitates courses in regenerative horticulture and provides consultancy for small farms, community projects and home gardens across Europe. He is committed to sharing his knowledge openly, supporting people and communities in building resilient food systems rooted in living ecosystems.
Join Darioβs course One with Nature at our residential programme Responsibility for our Creation.