The Longevity and Fertility Algorithm (LAFA) is the meaning behind the acronym. LAFA is a research project born from the collaboration between Future Food Institute and other technological and research partners, including the University of Salerno.

LAFA starts with a fundamental awareness: scientific research is an invaluable social and innovative resource often struggling with the gap between theory and practical implementation. LAFA aims to fill this gap in human health and sustainability, by generating solid scientific evidence and developing the proper technological tools.

LAFA focuses on diet, fertility, and longevity, adopting a "One Health" approach. This interdisciplinary and sustainability-oriented perspective connects human nutrition, environmental health, technology, and public environmental health.

The core idea is to explore and strengthen the connections between diet, the environment, and human health by comparing two seemingly opposite Italian regions: the "Land of Fires," an industrialized area with high levels of pollution, and Cilento, a UNESCO-recognized Geopark and emblematic community of the Mediterranean Diet. This comparison seeks to reveal critical insights into the relationships between environmental quality and human life aspects such as fertility and aging.

According to LAFA researchers, regions affected by severe environmental degradation experience compromised nutritional quality and reproductive health among their inhabitants. To understand the scope of this phenomenon, a data-driven approach is essential. Innovative tools are needed to untangle the complex interactions between human life, animal health, and the environment. Statistical learning techniques are pivotal in generating high-quality data and addressing challenges requiring holistic and broad-spectrum approaches.

The project is developing a predictive algorithm analyzing regional comparisons to create scalable computational models. These models will help decision-makers and stakeholders make informed choices about health and environmental policies.

“This algorithm will not only provide valuable tools to interpret the risks and opportunities linked to environmental quality and lifestyles but will also become a key resource for guiding public policies and supporting informed decision-making at both local and global levels,” said Vincenzo Naddeo, coordinator of the LAFA Project and professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno.

One of LAFA's primary objectives is to promote the Mediterranean Diet as a proven model of long-term benefits and sustainable development. Far from being a restrictive diet, it is healthy and enjoyable for those who adopt it.

“The LAFA project fully embodies the mission of the Future Food Institute: accelerating the comprehensive ecological transition by reimagining food as a catalyst for fertility, prosperity, and longevity on Earth. In this vision, the Mediterranean Diet represents the perfect synthesis of tradition and innovation,” commented Sara Roversi, president of the Future Food Institute.

The chosen context for the studies is Pollica, a town in southern Campania's Cilento region. Renowned for its embodiment of the Mediterranean Diet principles, Pollica serves as a “Living Lab” that seamlessly combines innovation, tradition, and authenticity. 

It is a global benchmark for promoting and safeguarding the Mediterranean Diet as an intangible cultural heritage. Here, Ancel and Margaret Keys conducted their famous research on centenarian populations, starting in Crete, highlighting the significant role of the Mediterranean Diet in promoting longevity and well-being. Their findings inspired the revolutionary book “How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way”, introducing the term "Mediterranean Diet" to scientific literature. It was later supported by research conducted in Cilento by Anna Ferro-Luzzi et al.

Due to its multidisciplinary nature, the LAFA project draws on the expertise of several partners. University of Salerno: its Environmental Engineering Division (SEED) coordinates the project. EcoFood Fertility: a research initiative studying the impact of the environment and lifestyle on reproductive health, contributing expertise in exposomics—a field examining lifetime environmental exposures, including food, water, air, and microbiota interactions. Farzati S.p.A. provides environmental monitoring using IoT and AI-driven analysis.

“We will ensure precise environmental monitoring through advanced IoT and AI-based analysis. This technology forms the backbone of a real-time data platform supporting the long-term sustainability of human health through actionable insights,” added Giorgio Ciardella, CTO of Farzati.

Finally, Future Food Institute, as the lead organization, integrates its vision of accelerating the ecological transition by positioning food as an enhancer for fertility, prosperity, and longevity.

“Our goal is to make this model a benchmark for policymakers and future generations, ensuring that the principles of our communities inspire global solutions and transform sustainability into a universally shared value,” concluded Roversi.