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Oriana Benfatto, a third-year PhD candidate within the NODES program in the PhD course in Electronic, Computer, and Electrical Engineering (Cycle 38), talks to us about her research project, "Sustainable services for agricultural areas: renewable energy communities and micro-grids." The project, supervised by Professor Norma Anglani from the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering at the University of Pavia, is developed within the flagship project FORMIDABILAE. It focuses on integrating renewable energy and energy communities to enhance sustainability in agricultural areas. NB: Renewable energy communities represent an opportunity to make the agricultural sector more sustainable and efficient. In your opinion, what are the main obstacles to their large-scale adoption? OB: Energy communities offer a great opportunity to make agriculture more sustainable, but they also face several challenges. One of the main issues is the stability of the electrical grid: while renewables are essential, they are also variable, requiring storage systems and advanced strategies. Moreover, a lack of awareness among farmers and citizens limits participation, highlighting the need for greater outreach and education. Bureaucratic complexity also slows development, with intricate procedures and uncertainties regarding incentives. Overcoming these challenges requires clearer regulations, targeted incentives, and advanced energy storage and smart management technologies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive transition. *** NB: The FORMIDABILAE project aims to develop innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency in the agri-food sector. What is the specific contribution of your research in this context, and what promising technologies are you working on? OB: Within the FORMIDABILAE project, my research focuses on a case study involving a dairy farm, evaluating electrical loads and converters to make it as self-sufficient as possible and less dependent on the power grid. Specifically, I study the control of grid-forming and grid-following inverters to ensure system stability while optimizing energy flow between renewable sources, battery storage, and critical loads such as milking and milk cooling systems. In parallel, we analyze municipalities served by the same primary substation, assessing the potential for rooftop photovoltaic installations using geospatial analysis techniques and comparing estimated energy production with consumption data from national databases. This allows us to estimate the community's self-sufficiency level and optimize system sizing. The ultimate goal is to develop a replicable model for creating self-sufficient energy communities, promoting the adoption of advanced energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy integration in the agri-food sector. *** NB: Being part of the NODES ecosystem and a flagship project like FORMIDABILAE, has this experience provided you with new perspectives or collaborations that have enriched your research journey? What results have you achieved so far? OB: Being involved in the NODES project has allowed me to collaborate with the AUDE laboratory at the University of Pavia, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. This experience has enriched my journey, enabling me to analyze energy communities from technical, architectural, and urban planning perspectives. I have visited research centers and agri-food companies, gaining firsthand insight into renewable energy technologies and practical challenges. I developed a simulation model to assess the energy self-sufficiency of a dairy farm and its connected community, combining load analysis with photovoltaic potential evaluation.Additionally, I have deepened my study of grid-forming and grid-following inverter control to enhance local grid stability, proposing scalable solutions for the agri-food sector.

Prof. Marco Carnevale, coordinator of the research team behind the academic Proof of Concept (POC) DEMETRA and winner of the pitch competition at the first edition of the NODES Academy: Agroindustria Primaria, shares the latest project developments and upcoming steps.   NB: What is the DEMETRA project about? MC: DEMETRA develops a virtual reality (VR) training environment for agricultural operators. The proof of concept focuses on hazelnut pruning, but the system can be extended to other agricultural tasks and machinery use, allowing training without seasonal constraints or the need for a physical field. *** NB: What are the main advantages of virtual reality training? MC: The first is overcoming seasonal limitations—pruning and similar activities can be learned anytime, reducing costs and improving the availability of skilled workers. VR also ensures standardized training, with performance monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, interactive avatars facilitate learning for users with different languages and backgrounds. Digitization in agriculture can also attract younger workers, reinforcing the sector’s image as technologically advanced. *** NB: What disciplines are involved? MC: The project integrates digital modeling, human-machine interaction, and advanced simulation. Our industrial robotics team developed haptic interfaces that simulate the tactile sensation of cutting branches. Initially, we created a sensorized glove with tactile feedback, later replaced with the integration of real tools, such as the Pellenc pruning shears, to enhance realism. The DICAR Laboratory (DAda-LAB) contributed by designing virtual environments and parametric digital prototypes of plants using LIDAR scans and photogrammetry. Data from the experimental field at Università Cattolica di Milano provided accurate digital modeling. The project also integrates Italy’s first Infinadeck omnidirectional treadmill, allowing users to move freely in the virtual scenario, overcoming traditional VR limitations. *** NB: How has the collaboration with NODES and ComoNExT benefited the project? MC: The NODES grant pushed us to develop both the technology and a business model. Through the Academy and ComoNExT facilitators, we gained market analysis skills, identified competitors, and refined our competitive advantages. We realized our system is valuable not only for agricultural businesses but also for agrarian schools and vocational training centers. This experience helped us transform research into an industrially viable solution. *** NB: What are the next steps? MC: We have won 20 additional hours of incubation support, which we are using to deepen market analysis and validate the product. We are strengthening our partnership with Pellenc, integrating their commercial tool into our platform to fully replace the haptic glove and enhance realism. We are also launching collaborations with agrarian institutes and businesses to test the system in real-world conditions. The I.I.S. Galileo Ferraris Technical Agrarian Institute in Vercelli has already expressed interest in participating in validation, which will help refine educational content and adapt the system to users' needs. Additionally, we are co-designing training modules with industry experts. While the platform currently focuses on hazelnut pruning, we aim to expand it to include agronomic knowledge and enhance operators’ decision-making skills. Finally, we are seeking funding to scale the project, making it accessible to schools, agricultural businesses, and training centers. Our goal is to establish DEMETRA as a reference platform for digital agricultural training, improving workforce skills and driving sector innovation.    

The Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences (DISAFA) at the University of Turin participated in the 19th edition of the A&T Fair, a key event for innovation, advanced technologies, and Industry 4.0 and 5.0 skills. During the exhibition, the team presented prototypes, innovative projects, and informational materials, focusing on solutions for more efficient and sustainable agriculture developed within Spoke 6.   In this context, Prof. Paolo Gay took part in the conference "Electrification in Agricultural Machinery: New Challenges and Scenarios," held on February 12, 2025, at A&T Torino - Oval Lingotto Fiere. The event, organized by the University of Turin in collaboration with Arproma and FederUnacoma, provided an important platform for discussions on the opportunities offered by the electrification of agricultural machinery to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and integrate advanced solutions for precision agriculture.   During the conference, experts and industry professionals analyzed the technological, economic, and infrastructural implications of this transition, highlighting growth opportunities for companies in the sector. The discussion reaffirmed the strategic role of electrification in the future of agriculture, not only in terms of sustainability but also for international competitiveness.

  On 24 January 2025, the second edition of the advanced training course "Innovations in Precision Livestock Farming with a Sustainability Perspective", organised by Spoke 6, commenced. The 72-hour course will run until 7 March 2025 at the Santa Monica campus of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Cremona.   The 22 participants, primarily from the agro-livestock sector, include feed industry technicians, veterinarians, and consultants for agro-livestock businesses. The programme features thematic modules addressing current challenges faced by agricultural enterprises, with the aim of providing advanced skills in physiology, nutrition and animal welfare, adaptation to climate change, and improvements in economic and environmental sustainability.   During the Spoke 6 Assembly on 27 January 2025, Alessandra Todisco, Director of CAI Nutrizione, shared positive feedback on the course:   "I had the opportunity to see my colleagues apply in their daily work what they had learned just days earlier while attending the course."   The course represents an important opportunity for discussion and professional development for sector specialists, encouraging the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in precision livestock farming.

On Monday, January 27th, the University of Pavia successfully hosted the Spoke 6 Assembly online. The event was attended by 50 people, including researchers involved in the flagship projects and Academic PoCs, and staff from some of the SMEs involved.  After a presentation on the state-of-the-art of Spoke, which highlighted how the Spoke has already achieved several KPIs, guests from companies told their “Success Stories” in the framework of NODES Spoke 6.    The 9 “Success Stories” involved: 1) Francesco Biale (Calatroni Vnini) and Elisabetta Tumminelli (University of Pavia – NODES PhD candidate), who talked about the research they are carrying out on the flagship project VINO ("don't waste the waste") and the training course for professionals working in businesses titled “Vegetable Extracts and Health”, held in February 2024 2) Paolo Bazzano (Eco srl) and Graziano Rossi (University of Pavia), who talked about how they are collaborating on the OLIOP project, funded by a NODES cascade call, and about the successful course on frontier olive growing in Oltrepò Pavese, which is part of the training programme for businesses proposed by Spoke 6 3) Paolo Landolfo (ProLogic Inofrmatica) and Simone Allasia (AlpiRobot), who talked about early detection of vine diseases and machines for harvesting plums, describing the status of the projects DIVINE and EVA, respectively, funded by the NODES cascade call 4) Mattia Masseroni (Veronesi-AIA), who is managing the DIGIFARM project on behalf of Azienda Agricole le Colombaie, and spoke about digital and efficient farms 5) Alberto Lasagna (Confagricoltura) and Valentina Vaglia (University of Pavia – NODES researcher), who spoke about the industrial doctorate they are supervising together, to understand how to mitigate the effects of climate change and manage the cultivated areas of Oltrepò Pavese 6) Paolo Monti (Api dei Monti) and Elisa Conz (University of Pavia – head of the Advanced Digital Marketing course), who highlighted the benefits of the Students Challenges organized by Spoke 6 both for local micro-businesses and for the students involved 7) Alessandra Todisco (CAI Nutrizione) and Antonio Gallo (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), who spoke about the success of the NODES Spoke 6 training courses for companies operating in the livestock sector 8) Sara Lucca and Marina Fabre (ComoNext), who talked about the academies organized within Spoke 6 to introduce researchers to entrepreneurship 9) Nicola Giulietti (University of Pavia), who talked about his new startup RDKore, established following the participation in UNIVENTURE 2023 where he obtained a prize funded by NODES Spoke 6 to finalize his technology The Spoke 6 Assembly proved to be a crucial opportunity to showcase many of the activities carried out so far and those that will take place between now and the end of the project.  Participants also showed a lot of interest for the Spoke 6 NODES Roadshow that will take place in March 2025 in Pavia. Keep following us to know more!

Yesterday, Spoke 6 presented its Students Challenges 2025 call and the winners of the Students Challenges 2024.   During the event Students Challenges NODES Spoke 6: an opportunity for local SMEs held on Thursday 16 January 2025, at University of Pavia, Spoke 6 presented its second Students Challenges aimed at SMEs operating in Business to Consumer (B2C) in the primary agro-industry sector (micro-small-medium enterprises in the area). The challenges will involve the students of the Advanced Digital Marketing course at the University of Pavia, who will be asked to develep tailored digital marketing plans for the selected companies aiming at improving brand awareness and engagement, focusing on competitiveness at a national and international level.   The finalists and winners of the last edition were then awarded. Between March and June 2024, 117 students of the Advanced Digital Marketing course at the University of Pavia, led by Dr Elisa Conz, divided into groups of 3, worked on tailor-made solutions for the challenges proposed by the three companies Api dei Monti, La Costaiola (Rossetti e Scrivani) and Calatroni Vini, selected by the 2024 call.   In the following, the 2024 winners: Marketing Challenge Api dei Monti FINALISTS •    Arianna Lapenna, Erika Adriomi, Matteo Rossi •    Noemi Pellizzaro, Maria Larovere WINNERS Francesca Bocca, Jana Di Pauli, Susanna Sforza    Marketing Challenge La Costaiola FINALISTS •    Anastasia Bastonero, Martina Catino, Arianna Gervasutti Pietrobon WINNERS Giulia Rossetti, Teresa Orefice, Susanna Sassi Giulia Membri, Michela Pisanello, Matteo Rossi   Marketing Challenge Calatroni  FINALISTS •    Alessia Paola Di Bello, Martina Lucchiari, Stefania Daffonchio •    Dylan Bettoni, Maryam Aboumar, Nicole Vinelli WINNERS Erica Dornetti, Domenica Fontana, Alessandra Onofri   The 2024 challenges were a success. Companies were happy with the presented solutions. The winning group of the challenge proposed by the Calatroni Vini company was offered an internship by the company itself, while Paolo Monti of Api dei Monti commented: “For a small company like ours, this initiative has proven to be extremely helpful. We have opened our doors to 35 students in the past months. The winning group has proposed such a complete and valuable digital marketing plan, that we will continue the collaboration in order to put it into practice”.    Congratulations to all the companies that participated in the NODES Spoke 6 Students Challenges 2024 and to the winning students!   Present your challenge to the Advanced Digital Marketing students of the University of Pavia!  Just fill out a short Challenge Proposal and send it to servizi_imprese_nodes_spoke6@unipv.it by February 18, 2025.  Further information is available on the call page.

The DEMETRA academic POC, a system designed to train agricultural operators in a virtual reality environment, was presented at the EIMA 2024 international fair at the stand of Pellenc Italia. Pellenc, a partner company, provided the 3D model of the pruning shears used in the simulation.   During the event, visitors were able to test a demo of the immersive platform, discovering its potential to revolutionise training in the agro-industrial sector. The activity facilitated discussions with industry specialists, allowing the collection of valuable feedback for improving the technology and initiating new contacts with companies interested in implementing the system for their business.   Coordinated by Prof. Carnevale of the University of Pavia, the DEMETRA project aims to implement simulation and training solutions in the primary agro-industrial sector. These solutions overcome the temporal limitations typical of agriculture—such as seasons, day-night cycles, and weather conditions—freeing agricultural learning processes from seasonal dependency.

As part of the General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), which will take place in Vienna from 27 April to 2 May 2025, abstracts are now being accepted for the session titled “Soil Management Practices and Land Degradation in Vineyards.” This session, aligned with the flagship VINO project, focuses on the impact of agricultural practices on soil degradation in hillside vineyards, addressing key issues such as erosion, shallow landslides, soil compaction, and organic matter loss. Advanced technologies, including remote sensing, field and laboratory measurements, predictive modelling, and mitigation strategies, will be presented to monitor and tackle these challenges. The session aims to foster dialogue among experts on innovative and traditional approaches to sustainable soil management. Contributions are invited on the following topics:   Remote sensing techniques and field measurements to monitor the effects of agricultural practices on soil; Implementation, parameterisation, and uncertainty management in predictive models; Simulation of the effects of climate change and soil management practices; Innovative mitigation measures to support farmers and policymakers in combating soil degradation and promoting sustainability.   This initiative seeks to integrate science, technology, and agricultural practices to develop effective and sustainable strategies for hillside vineyards.   The call for abstracts is open until 15 January 2025. Further information is available at: Session SSS9.7.   Conveners: Claudia Meisina, Jantiene Baartman, Mihai Niculita, Alessia Giarola  

During the Incontri con la Scienza event, organised by Fondazione LGH in collaboration with Corriere della Sera, Prof. Graziano Rossi presented the PNRR NODES VINO project, focusing on adapting agricultural crops to climate change. He emphasised the critical role of agricultural innovation in supporting biodiversity and fostering crop resilience amidst resource constraints, highlighting its strategic importance in tackling environmental and climatic challenges.   The Incontri con la Scienza series promotes dialogue on scientific innovation and sustainability. The Pavia event on 8 November 2024, held at Collegio Borromeo, featured discussions on technology, renewable energy, and climate change.   Rossi's talk can be viewed from 1:05 here.

On October 29th, a delegation from the University of Aachen and the BioeconomyREVIER cluster visited Pavia as part of the NODES project, strengthening collaboration between European academic and research institutions. Researchers from Spoke 6 participated in discussions on sustainable energy, innovative biosensors, and agricultural strategies.   Norma Anglani from the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering presented on developing agricultural energy hubs, focusing on microgrids to optimize energy consumption in farms, as part of the RM1 project under the flagship initiative "Formidabile." Lorenzo Pasotti and Michele Conti from the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture showcased biosensors engineered from living materials using 3D bioprinting, useful for monitoring agro-industrial processes.  Graziano Rossi from the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment discussed vineyard management strategies in the face of climate change, suggesting alternative crops like olives and hazelnuts. The delegation also visited the Germplasm Bank at the Botanical Garden, guided by Francesco Ferrari, to explore genetic resource conservation. In the afternoon, Pietro Galinetto and Maddelena Patrini from the Department of Physics introduced advanced optical sensing methods for vineyard management. Daniela Rossi presented techniques for extracting biologically active compounds from viticultural waste, with applications in sectors such as medicine and cosmetics.   The meeting reinforced dialogue between Pavia and Aachen, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions for sustainability in the primary agro-industrial sector.

On 24 October 2024, the event “Sustainability and Digitalisation in Agro-Industry” was held at the Gran Torre Hotel in Oristano as part of the Roadshow Mezzogiorno. Among the key speakers, Prof. Alberto S. Atzori from the University of Sassari presented the Formidable project, focused on digital innovation in agro-livestock. Dr. Giorgio Todde, an Open Innovation Specialist from the same university, discussed digitalisation and innovation in the primary sector. This was followed by Eng. Lucia Marazzi from the University of Pavia, who explained the cascading funding schemes SP6 and SP7 under the Mezzogiorno Line.   A roundtable followed, where various companies showcased their innovative projects. Key participants included Iosef Cigagna from Drop S.r.l., who presented the “DAIRY LIFE PRO” project; Giuseppe Diana from C.A.O. Formaggi, who discussed “DIGICAO”; and Marta Polimeno from Agrigeos S.r.l., who presented “SPIDPAP.” Additionally, Emanuele Gosamo and Maurizio Naletto from Primo Principio S.c.a.r.l. introduced “GAINS,” while Sofia Matia Lilli from Agricolus S.r.l. discussed “CEBUS.” Gianluigi Demuro from Studio-A Automazione S.r.l. concluded the session by presenting the “MICENE” project.   The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue among universities, companies, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It highlighted how new technologies and sustainability initiatives are transforming the agro-industry in Southern Italy. Following a Q&A session, the event concluded with a networking lunch, providing participants with the opportunity to further explore the topics discussed and establish new collaborations.

ERSAF has completed a crucial phase of soil investigations as part of the flagship Spoke6 "VINO" project, aimed at supporting viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese by creating soil suitability maps in relation to current climatic conditions. These activities, outlined in Task 1.2 "Suitability maps for actual climatic conditions at macro scale," are essential for identifying the region's viticultural potential and guiding agricultural and territorial management decisions.   ERSAF's soil investigations focus on describing a defined number of soil profiles in the mountainous area of the Oltrepò Pavese, with the goal of producing a large-scale map of the region's pedological units. This detailed analysis is fundamental for expanding knowledge of key soil parameters and evaluating the potential for viticultural development in the southern part of the area.   During the spring and summer of 2023, ERSAF conducted a series of preliminary drillings to identify the different soil types in the area. Based on these surveys, a detailed description of the soil profiles was then carried out, allowing the collection of key information on characteristics such as colour, structure, texture, root presence, macropores, and other pedogenetic features. Additionally, mottling due to oxidation-reduction processes and secondary concentrations of carbonates and other minerals were observed.   Between August 2023 and August 2024, 11 soil profiles were described and sampled, with chemical-physical analyses currently underway in the laboratory. These analyses, conducted on samples taken from various horizons of each profile, will provide detailed data that will complement field observations, enabling a more precise understanding of the soils' suitability for viticulture.   The ultimate goal of this study is to support more effective management of the Oltrepò Pavese's viticultural landscape, providing scientific data useful for agricultural planning and soil management. The results of ERSAF's investigations will create a clearer picture of the soil's potential for viticulture in the area, helping inform future decisions for the sustainable development of vineyards in the region.

On 10 October, the first edition of the NODES Academy - Primary Agro-Industry, organised by ComoNEXT, commenced with an initial session held at the Museum of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pavia. The event was attended by NODES researchers interested in developing entrepreneurial skills, with projects and ideas related to the themes of primary agro-industry.   During the first day, the training programme was initiated, including the definition of objectives and the presentation of participants and teams. Additionally, the first lesson on Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Canvas was held, featuring practical exercises. This approach provided participants with the necessary tools to develop innovative business strategies applicable to their research projects and ideas related to the agro-industry sector.   Among the teams of industrial Proof of Concepts (POCs) participating in the NODES Academy under Spoke 6 are projects such as DigiNut, DigiMilk, Demetra, BioRestart, and Sapevo, focused on innovative solutions for sustainability and the digitalisation of agro-industry. Also participating is the team from the WakeUp POC (Spoke 2) and a NODES PhD student working on the flagship project VINO, contributing innovative skills and ideas for the sustainable management of natural resources and the improvement of agro-food supply chains.   The NODES Academy represents an important opportunity to provide researchers with the necessary tools to develop innovative business strategies applicable to their projects related to the primary agro-industry sector.  

On 27 September 2024, researchers from Spoke 6 of the NODES - Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile project participated in Sharper Night 2024 in Pavia, held at the University’s Central Palace. The event offered the public a valuable opportunity to engage with innovative research focused on environmental sustainability and digital technologies, through interactive experiments aimed at all age groups. The activities presented by the researchers were part of two flagship projects, VINO and Formidabilae, and stood out for their hands-on, engaging approach. Among the experiments presented, the "Memory of plant species" game, created by Vaglia and Ferrari, combined fun and learning to raise awareness of plant biodiversity. Ravazzolo demonstrated the crucial role of soil texture in the natural filtration of water, with his experiment on natural filtration. Brugellis showcased a prototype in development, connected to a moisture and temperature sensor, and demonstrated the functioning of the Volta battery, one of the founding principles of modern technology. Rossi conducted an extraction experiment using shredded vine prunings and water as a solvent, followed by filtration of the extract through a pleated filter. Cusaro led participants on a virtual tour from the vineyard to the Laboratory of Plant Biodiversity and Biosystematics, explaining how research under RM 5, Task 5.5, focuses on the sustainable management of herbicide resistance in weeds. Pasotti, Macovei, and Conti highlighted the potential of low-cost devices for monitoring agro-industrial processes, while Galinetto, Patrin, and Albini demonstrated how portable Raman and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopies can be used to enhance the food supply chain. These experiments and demonstrations provided a practical overview of the research carried out under the VINO and Formidabilae projects, showing how innovative technologies and sustainability can integrate to address environmental challenges. Sharper Night 2024 was a valuable moment of exchange, where the citizens of Pavia had the chance to experience first-hand the innovative solutions proposed by NODES researchers.  

On September 26, 2024, at the National Institute of Ancient Drama in Syracuse, the University of Pavia organized the event “Responsible production and consumption from fields to tables”, as part of the initiatives of the G7 Agriculture. Coordinated by Carola Ricci, Aldo Piccone and Anna Facchinetti, the meeting attracted the interest of the public and industry professionals, generating numerous questions and constructive debates.   The event focused on crucial issues such as agricultural and food sustainability, presenting the intermediate results of the ONFOODS and NODES research projects, funded by the PNRR. Valentina Vaglia discussed solutions for climate mitigation in viticulture, while Nadia Bertolino presented her studies on water landscapes, arousing particular interest on the link between territory and water management.   Furthermore, Dr. Marco Acciai presented the SPIDAP project, developed by Agrigeos as part of the cascade calls for proposals of Spoke 6 "Linea Mezzogiorno". SPIDAP proposes an innovative system for monitoring and managing water resources for the agro-industry, with the aim of improving agricultural productivity by reducing water waste.   The meeting offered a platform for discussion between research, innovation and sustainability, receiving enthusiastic feedback from participants, with particular attention to practical applications for the future of sustainable agriculture.