News

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.

As part of the Flagship Project VINO of Spoke 6, ERSAF successfully completed the soil surveys planned under Research Module 1, with the objective of enhancing current knowledge of the main soil parameters in the Oltrepò Pavese region. This research is essential for evaluating vineyard suitability on a microscopic scale, focusing on pilot sites. In collaboration with the research team from the University of Pavia, four experimental sites were selected for field studies using a manual auger. These surveys were conducted by the ERSAF team, which includes geologists, pedologists, and agronomists, resulting in 31 sampling points across the four sites: Montù Beccaria, Costa Cavalieri, Canevino, and Santa Maria della Versa. During the core sampling, soil samples were analyzed to observe characteristics such as color, mottling due to oxidation-reduction processes, secondary concentrations, and a preliminary estimate of texture. These data allow for the definition of soil stratifications and the assessment of root depth, as well as the identification of any limitations such as shallow water tables or drainage issues. Each sampling point was georeferenced, documented, and photographed for inclusion in the ERSAF database. The collected soil samples will undergo future physico-chemical laboratory analyses to supplement the information gathered in the field. These results will contribute to a more precise understanding of vineyard suitability in the region, supporting agricultural management decisions and land use planning.

The two events proposed by the researchers of Spoke 6 as part of the Sustainable Development Festival were a great public success. The first event, organized by Professor Graziano Rossi’s team (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Pavia), was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Castello di Lardirago. The informative and convivial meeting "Rice for Your Teeth: Pavia Rice from Field to Table" was held on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Master's Degree in Agrifood Sustainability at the University of Pavia. About 150 people participated in the event, which invited reflection on rice cultivation in the Pavia area and the effects of climate change. The second event, organized by Professor Carola Ricci’s research group (Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Pavia), was held on Friday, May 24, at the Aula Grande of the Department of Political and Social Sciences. The meeting "The Challenges Posed by Climate Change to the Wine Sector: Legal Responses" saw an audience of about 50 participants, including internationally renowned experts in the wine sector, lawyers, food technologists, agronomists, and scholars interested in the impact of the new CAP on the sector and, in general, in the protection of the wine landscape and quality wine production in the face of climate change.    

The training course "Innovations in Precision Livestock Farming for Sustainability", coordinated by Professor Antonio Gallo and Dr. Luca Cattaneo of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, concluded at the end of April. The course took place at the Santa Monica campus of the Università Cattolica in Cremona. Visits were also organized to Cerzoo, the experimental farm of the Università Cattolica, providing opportunities for discussion, knowledge exchange, and networking. The course offered 72 hours of training to numerous professionals in the agro-livestock sector who participated. The main objective of the course was to train individuals capable of taking on key roles in research and development, as well as in consulting for agro-livestock companies. The course enabled participants to acquire and consolidate skills in the agro-livestock sector, considering a continually evolving field. Through thematic modules, the instructors addressed the most current challenges in agriculture, providing operators with the appropriate tools to tackle them. At the end of the course, participants acquired advanced skills in physiology, nutrition, and animal welfare; abilities in adapting to climate change and improving the economic and environmental sustainability of agro-livestock companies; and a comprehensive understanding of the main regulatory processes in the sector. The teaching team included researchers from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, experts from the Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi Research Center for Sustainable Dairy Production, and the Department of Animal, Nutrition, and Food Sciences.

Four events promoted by Pavia researchers as part of the NODES project are included in the extensive national program of the 2024 Sustainable Development Festival. Now in its eighth edition, the Festival of Sustainable Development is the largest Italian initiative aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing citizens, younger generations, businesses, associations, and institutions on the issues of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.   Spoke 6 will participate in the Festival with two events:   "Riso per i tuoi denti: alla scoperta del riso pavese," organized by Prof. Graziano Rossi and Dr. Valentina Vaglia from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Pavia, which invites reflection on the effects of climate change on rice crops in the Pavia area and on strategies for the protection and preservation of certain local varieties. The event will take place on May 18 at the Castello di Lardirago. The event is open to all. Further information is available on the event webpage.   "The challenges posed by climate change to the wine sector: legal responses," organized by Prof. Carola Ricci and Dr. Aldo Piccone from the Department of Political and Social Sciences. This is a free training conference on the legal responses to the effects of climate change on the wine sector, primarily for the benefit of companies and professional operators in the sector. The event will be held on May 24 in the Aula Grande of the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the University of Pavia. Further information is available on the event webpage.     The Festival will also feature a representation from Spoke 2 (Green Technologies and Sustainable Industries) through two initiatives promoted by Professor Alberta Pinnola from the Department of Biology and Biotechnology: "The plant world in the service of sustainability and the circular economy," which will take place on May 15 at 3:00 PM at the Cravino Campus, and the conference "From waste to resource: examples of sustainable approaches," which will be held on May 23 at 4:00 PM in the Aula Foscolo.

Spoke 6 opens registrations and presents the training course "Agri-tech Training: Precision Viticulture," provided by the University of Pavia and the Riccagioia Foundation.   Targeted at personnel working in primary agribusiness and related sectors, with a focus on SMEs, the course offers the opportunity to explore the potential of modern technologies applied to viticulture. Using tools such as sensors, drones, and data analysis, participants will learn how to monitor and manage vineyards more efficiently.   The program, spread over four days (July 13, 14, 15, and 23, 2024), includes both online and in-person sessions, offering a flexible and accessible learning opportunity.   Among the instructors are industry experts such as Federica Beccati and Matteo Petito from IBF Servizi, along with Cesare Cangero from Bayer Crop Science. These specialists will guide participants through key topics such as remote sensing, the use of geographic information systems (GIS), and vine bio-protection practices.   At the end of the course, participants will receive a recognized certificate in the form of an Open badge, attesting to the skills acquired during the training. For companies interested in improving their viticultural practices through technological innovation, the Agri-tech Training course offers a professional development opportunity not to be missed.   INFORMATION