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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.

On the occasion of the G7 Agriculture meeting, which will take place in Syracuse from 21 to 29 September 2024, the University of Pavia is organising a side event accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture. The first event, titled “Responsible Production and Consumption from Farm to Table: Technology, Policies, Behaviour, and Education,” is part of the Divinazione EXPO24 initiatives.   The event, coordinated by Carola Ricci, Aldo Piccone, and Anna Facchinetti from the Department of Political and Social Sciences, will be held on 26 September, starting at 3:00 p.m., at the Istituto Nazionale Dramma Antico, Ortigia Island, Syracuse. During the meeting, scientific insights and best practices will be presented in relation to three areas on which the G7 Agriculture Ministers reached a common agreement at the Miyazaki summit in April 2023.   Additionally, the intermediate results of research projects conducted by the University of Pavia and its affiliated partners within the framework of two PNRR projects funded by the European Union will be presented: ONFOODS (Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety, and Security), Spoke 7, and NODES (North-West Digital and Sustainable), Spoke 6.   The event will be structured into three thematic modules: Environmental sustainability and innovation: tools for mitigating water stress in agriculture. Prevention and reduction of food waste: from field to table, in search of a common definition. Responsible production and consumption of food without discrimination: traditions, culture, and art in the service of vulnerable groups.   Among the speakers for Spoke 6 will be Valentina Vaglia, who will present results on climate mitigation and soil erosion in viticulture, and Nadia Bertolino, who will discuss her research on water landscapes.   The following day, 27 September, a second event will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Teatro Comunale in Syracuse, also in connection with the G7. Several researchers from Spoke 6, including Carola Ricci, Claudia Meisina from the University of Pavia, and Paolo Sabbatini from the University of Turin, will present ongoing solutions to reduce the impact of climate change on the wine sector.   Proposals for revising the current regulatory framework, which were previously introduced at a conference in May in Pavia, will also be discussed, with a focus on potential guidelines for policymakers and the wine industry, in collaboration with FIVI (Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers).

On 10 July 2024, Carola Ricci and Aldo Piccone from the University of Pavia (Department of Social and Political Sciences) participated in the Annual Conference of the International Society of Public Law (ICON•S), held at IE University in Madrid (8-10 July). The researchers proposed a dedicated panel on "Sustainable and Responsible Production and Consumption of Food: Redefining Its Multiple Dimensions," which was selected by the scientific committee. The panel, chaired by Prof. Ricci, aimed to present the interim results of the research conducted with Anna Facchinetti and Andrea Iurato, both senior researchers at the University of Pavia working within another Next Generation EU-funded project, OnFoods ("Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety and Security – ON Foods"). Following Prof. Ricci's introduction on the definition of the right to "adequate" food in international law and its multiple dimensions, focusing on the interrelation of its quantitative and qualitative components, including both material and immaterial elements (such as religious, ethical, and cultural constituents), Anna Facchinetti discussed the case study of indigenous peoples' rights. The value of food once discarded from (or falling out of) the food chain was subsequently analysed by Andrea Iurato, addressing the issues posed by the lack of a uniform definition of food waste in (re)defining EU food waste prevention policies. To complete this framework, the value of food as a universal immaterial heritage protected under the UNESCO Conventions regime was addressed by Aldo Piccone. The three-day conference provided the team with the opportunity not only to share the interim research results but also to expand their network of interested stakeholders, including researchers and institutions (both private and public), presenting the NODES project to a global audience.

Enrolment is now open for the course "Digital and Sustainable Strategies in the Primary Agro-Industry," offered by the University of Turin.   The course explores competitive strategies that enable companies to stand out in the market and their practical implementation, including the efficient allocation of resources and the alignment of business activities with defined strategic objectives. By integrating business testimonies and practical case studies, the course offers participants the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real and current situations in the sector.   The course is free of charge and will run from 18 October to 30 November, with a total duration of 50 hours.   Enrolment is open until 20 September 2024.   For more information, you can consult the course details or write to: corsodigital@unito.it    

On 10 July 2024, Carola Ricci and Aldo Piccone from the University of Pavia (Department of Social and Political Sciences) participated in the Annual Conference of the International Society of Public Law (ICON•S), held at IE University in Madrid (8-10 July). The researchers proposed a dedicated panel on "Sustainable and Responsible Production and Consumption of Food: Redefining Its Multiple Dimensions," which was selected by the scientific committee. The panel, chaired by Prof. Ricci, aimed to present the interim results of the research conducted with Anna Facchinetti and Andrea Iurato, both senior researchers at the University of Pavia working within another Next Generation EU-funded project, OnFoods ("Research and Innovation Network on Food and Nutrition Sustainability, Safety and Security – ON Foods"). Following Prof. Ricci's introduction on the definition of the right to "adequate" food in international law and its multiple dimensions, focusing on the interrelation of its quantitative and qualitative components, including both material and immaterial elements (such as religious, ethical, and cultural constituents), Anna Facchinetti discussed the case study of indigenous peoples' rights. The value of food once discarded from (or falling out of) the food chain was subsequently analysed by Andrea Iurato, addressing the issues posed by the lack of a uniform definition of food waste in (re)defining EU food waste prevention policies. To complete this framework, the value of food as a universal immaterial heritage protected under the UNESCO Conventions regime was addressed by Aldo Piccone. The three-day conference provided the team with the opportunity not only to share the interim research results but also to expand their network of interested stakeholders, including researchers and institutions (both private and public), presenting the NODES project to a global audience.

From 11th to 13th June 2024, the CONAVI2024, the 10th National Viticulture Conference, was held in Alghero. It was organised by the University of Sassari and the Working Group of the Italian Society of Horticulture (SOI). The event was attended by around 238 people, including numerous young researchers, PhD students, and research fellows. Diego Intrigliolo, a professor at the University of Valencia, delivered a keynote address on "What's New in Comprehensive Vineyard Water Management?", addressing the latest innovations in irrigation management in viticulture. The conference was divided into six sessions, featuring 124 contributions: 36 oral presentations, 41 flash talks, and 47 posters. Significant attention was given to young researchers, with 31 oral and flash presentations assigned to participants under 35. The conference emphasised the digitalisation of the primary agroindustry and digital solutions for sustainable viticulture, addressing key topics of the Spoke 6 VINO project. Research explored the use of advanced monitoring systems, predictive models, and detection techniques to optimise water resource management and improve wine productivity and quality. Technologies such as remote sensing, omics analyses, and precision viticulture were central to the discussions. Researchers from the University of Sassari and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change presented work on climate change adaptation and innovative technologies for vineyard management, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. CONAVI2024 also hosted a technical symposium with four presentations by viticulture experts, two academic talks by Professors Tommaso Frioni and Daniele Zaccaria, and a masterclass on Vermentino. On 14th June, participants visited the traditional Vermentino territories in Gallura and the Cannonau territories in Nuorese. During the closing ceremony, Professor Paolo Sabbatini from the University of Turin was awarded for the best oral presentation on "Meta-analysis of 50 Years of Research on the Impact of Thinning Timing and Intensity on Production and Quality," tying with Salvatore Filippo di Gennaro for a mobile app for identifying representative sampling zones and estimating vineyard yields. Professor Massimo Bertamini won the award for the best flash presentation on "Climate Change Shapes Trentino Viticulture: Inter-annual Environmental Dynamics and Additive Effects on Phenology, Musts, and Wines." The awarded posters were "Vineyard Irrigation: Comparison Between Drip Irrigation and Deep Root Irrigation Systems for Sustainable Water Resource Use" by Dr. D’arcangelo M.E.M. and "Exploiting Intra-varietal Variation and Identifying Clones with High Adaptability to Climate Change" by Dr. Zanoni S. Some of the presented works will be published in extended form in the conference proceedings in the journal "Bio Web of Conferences".

On 9th July, researchers from the University of Pavia affiliated with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture presented their research as part of the Nodes project in the session “NODES. Nature-based solutions for increasing resilience to water-related hazards” at the international conference TerraEnVision 2024. The session, coordinated by Dr Valerio Vivaldi and Dr Nadia Bertolino, featured the participation of international researchers who presented and discussed their work on natural hazards such as slope instability, floods, and droughts. These hazards pose global risks, especially in agro-ecosystems in semi-arid regions such as the Mediterranean. With the ongoing climate change, these events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, thus requiring innovative and sustainable approaches to mitigate their environmental impact. The session, proposed within the context of the NODES - Spoke 6 project, addressed the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in mitigating the impacts of water-related hazards in agro-ecosystems. In addition to the two co-chairs, Vivaldi and Bertolino, the Pavia researchers included Prof Claudia Meisina, Dr Valentina Vaglia, Dr Antonio Gambarani, Dr Margherita Pavanello, and Dr Matteo Giganti. Their research, developed within the flagship projects of Spoke 6, covers biological, agronomic, geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological aspects, as well as the multidisciplinary applications of NbS for reducing water-related risks. This includes techniques for detection and models aimed at measuring, monitoring, and predicting the effects of NbS and climate change on agro-ecosystems.

  Enrollment is now open for the course "Frontier Olive Growing and Other Alternative Herbaceous Crops in Non-Mediterranean Climate Areas", offered by the University of Pavia. The course, led by Professor Graziano Rossi, is designed to provide agricultural operators with a wide range of practical and theoretical skills related to the development of olive cultivation and herbaceous crops such as cereals and artichokes, which are particularly suited to the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, practical activities, and company visits, participants will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully cultivate olives and other herbaceous crops in the sub-mountainous areas of northern Italy, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.   The course is free and will take place from October 6, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Enrollment is open until September 10, 2024.   For further information, please consult the course information sheet.    

Enrollment is now open for the course "Wine Tourism: Omnichannel Customer Experience," offered by the University of Turin. The course, led by Professor Anna Claudia Pellicelli from the Department of Management, aims to provide an in-depth understanding of positioning and communication dynamics in the wine sector, highlighting the crucial importance of these aspects in the context of the growing competition in the current market. By providing an overview of the most innovative trends, such as content marketing and social media marketing, the course aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to effectively engage consumers and build emotional connections with the brand. The course is intended for professionals aiming to develop marketing strategies that consider environmental changes, efficient resource management, and the integration of digital technologies to optimize the entire production process. It includes theoretical lessons and company testimonials, offering participants practical inspiration derived from the direct experience of industry enterprises.   The course is free and will take place from September 27 to October 9, 2024. Enrollment is open until September 2, 2024.   For further information, please consult the course information sheet.

During the presentation event of the courses offered by the University of Pavia as part of the Spoke 6 training offer, Hermes Giberti, Full Professor at the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Rector’s Delegate for Technology Transfer, outlined the "Agritech Training: Precision Viticulture" course, which he leads. Giberti explains: "Agritech represents a crucial step for anyone wishing to adopt cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to improve their productivity and competitiveness. The course focuses on the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, such as precision farming and internet farming, which significantly increase agricultural productivity. These technologies optimize the use of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, increasing crop yields by 10% to 30% and reducing environmental impact. Sensors and real-time monitoring systems reduce fertilizer and pesticide waste by up to 40%, enhancing efficiency and lowering operational costs. Smart irrigation systems reduce water consumption by up to 50%, ensuring optimal plant growth. Continuous monitoring of crop and soil conditions allows for timely interventions, improving crop quality and reducing post-harvest losses.” "Agritech- continues Giberti- offers numerous benefits from an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) perspective. It improves the working conditions of farmers, increases the productivity and profitability of agricultural businesses, and facilitates access to crucial information. It also enhances the transparency and accountability of agricultural companies, helping them comply with environmental and food safety regulations. These tools facilitate informed decision-making and improve access to credit through verifiable and accurate data. In summary, digital technologies in agriculture support sustainable and responsible practices, with significant benefits for the environment, society, and governance of agricultural businesses." The contribution of industry specialists from IBF Servizi, Bayer Crop Science, and TIM is fundamental, as they will share their expertise with course participants as instructors. The Agritech course will be held from July 15 to 31, 2024, and can be attended both online and in person. Enrollment closes on July 1, 2024. For more information and registration, consult the course information sheet.