News

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

In the recent edition of the first Student Challenge for the Primary Agri-food Industry promoted by Spoke 6 "Primary Agri-food Industry," three companies stood out as proposers of innovation and digitization challenges. The winners are two wine companies from Oltrepò Pavese, Rossetti&Scrivani and Calatroni, along with Ape dei Monti, a honey industry company.   Students from the Advanced Digital Marketing course in the Digital Communication program of the University of Pavia, coordinated by Professor Elisa Conz, will respond to the marketing challenges proposed by the three companies. These challenges include rebranding and positioning for Rossetti&Scrivani, developing a new product offering for Ape dei Monti, and revising the communication proposal for Calatroni.    The challenge will involve students in creating digital marketing plans to improve brand awareness, engagement, and conversions at national and international levels. Students will also need to consider how companies currently use or intend to use digital communication tools to promote their history, sustainability, and product quality, highlighting cultural identity, innovation, and sustainability.    This initiative not only provides students with the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice in real-world contexts but also promotes collaboration between the academic and entrepreneurial worlds, encouraging innovation and the development of creative solutions. The Challenge promises to be a formative and rewarding experience for all participants.   For more information on the challenge, the proposed challenges, and the winners, please visit the page for the official call.     CALL AND WINNERS

In the context of the growing digitalization of the agricultural sector, two Sicilian companies, Agrigeos and Lualtek, have joined forces to launch the SPIDAP project - Development of a Digital Platform based on Artificial Intelligence for Precision Citrus Farming. This initiative, funded under the Southern Cascade Calls of Spoke 6 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), represents a turning point in optimizing agricultural practices on the island.   Agrigeos, headquartered in Acireale, and Lualtek from Comiso, have taken the initiative to concretely address the challenges faced by Sicilian citrus farmers, who must deal with a warm-arid environment and the consequent need to manage water resources precisely.   The SPIDAP project stands out for its innovative approach, based on the use of advanced technologies and the integration of artificial intelligence systems to optimize irrigation and improve agricultural yields. The collaboration between Agrigeos and Lualtek is also supported by the Institute of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism (IMEM) of CNR in Parma, providing consultancy and research.   The Kick-off meeting of SPIDAP was held in Acireale, at the operational headquarters of Agrigeos, highlighting the importance of involving technical figures from both companies in the project.   At the heart of the SPIDAP project lies the implementation of a decision support system that allows farmers to accurately monitor the water needs of citrus plants. This system is based on advanced sensor technologies developed by Lualtek and utilizes data obtained through the Plantarray platform for plant phenotyping and the Bioristor sensor for real-time monitoring of water requirements.   Plantarray, developed by the Israeli startup Plant Di-tech and adopted by Agrigeos, enables the collection of plant physiological data in response to changing environmental conditions, while the Bioristor sensor, developed by IMEM-CNR in Parma, continuously monitors plant water requirements.   According to Salvatore Nicolosi, administrator of Agrigeos, this collaboration between Sicilian SMEs is of great value and could have significant implications for society as a whole. Marco Acciai, scientific manager of the project, emphasizes that SPIDAP aims to improve the efficiency of irrigation water use, ensuring abundant and high-quality agricultural production. Luca Occhipinti, founder of Lualtek and project coordinator, highlights the importance of predictive models in agriculture and the crucial role that the SPIDAP project will play in innovating the agricultural sector. Michela Janni, researcher at CNR-IMEM, underlines the fundamental contribution of the Bioristor sensor in refining the decision support system of SPIDAP, improving the efficiency of water resource use, and promoting sustainability.   Agrigeos and Lualtek, respectively a specialized testing center and an innovative startup, embody the commitment and determination of Sicilian companies to promote innovation in the agricultural sector. The SPIDAP project represents a significant step towards smarter and more sustainable management of agricultural resources, offering concrete solutions to the environmental and economic challenges faced by Sicilian citrus farming.  

Open the call for abstracts for the session "NODES: Nature-Based Solutions for Increasing Resilience to Water-Related Hazards" as part of the international conference TerraEnVision.    Natural hazards, such as slope instability, floods, and droughts, raise a global risk, especially in agroecosystems in semi-arid areas like the Mediterranean. With ongoing climate change, these events are becoming more frequent and intense, necessitating innovative and sustainable approaches to mitigate their environmental impact.    The proposed session within the NODES project - Spoke 6 aims to explore the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in mitigating the impacts of water-related geological hazards in agroecosystems.    Contributions from researchers and stakeholders are welcome, addressing biological, agronomic, geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological aspects, as well as multidisciplinary applications of NbS for water-related risk reduction. This includes detection techniques and models designed to measure, monitor, and predict the effects of NbS and climate change on agroecosystems. The session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of NbS as a resilience vector against water-related geological hazards, with implications for farmers and public institutions in reducing the risk of such hazards.    The session is coordinated by researchers from the University of Pavia, affiliated with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering.    The Call for Abstracts is open from March 4, 2024, to June 1, 2024.    The session will take place during the international congress "TerraEnVision - Nature-Based Solutions to facilitate the transitions for living within the planetary boundaries" (Valencia, July 8-11, 2024).    Conveners: Prof. Valerio Vivaldi, Prof. Nadia Bertolino   Link congress    Call for abstracts      

The Department of Management at the University of Turin is proud to present the course "Wine&Branding - Digital Marketing for Food&Beverage sector." This training program, included in the NODES project and part of the training initiatives of Spoke 6, will take place from April 19 to June 15, 2024.    The course is designed for businesses, professionals in the agri-food sector, employees of companies, and aspiring individuals. Leading the course is Prof. Anna Claudia Pellicelli from the Department of Management at UniTO.    The course adopts a multidisciplinary approach focused on the agricultural sector of the primary industry. The analysis of the history and culture of wine plays a crucial role, delving not only into local viticultural traditions but also into the current and future context of Wine Marketing. Special attention will be given to new trends and emerging challenges in the sector.    Professionals trained in the course will acquire advanced marketing skills applied to Food&Beverage, with a focus on understanding consumer behaviours and preferences in the purchasing process. In-depth exploration of advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) techniques and communication of wine products will enable the personalization of the customer experience. Marketing strategies will be tailored to the specific needs of different market segments, identifying and capitalizing on new consumption trends, such as the growing interest in organic and natural wines, and the preferences of Millennials.    A key aspect of the course revolves around the approach to wine on social media, where professionals can leverage digital platforms to promote products, engage with customers, and build a strong emotional connection with the brand.    Furthermore, the course delves into market segmentation, brand building, and defining buyer personas. These skills are fundamental for creating effective and differentiated marketing strategies in the wine industry, taking into account the peculiarities of the region and consumer preferences.   Only a few spots available! For more information, contact corsodigital@unito.it or click here.   INFORMATION