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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

The 'Plant Extracts and Health' course, organized by Spoke 6 - Primary Agroindustry, and designed for professionals in primary agroindustry and related sectors, has successfully reached its maximum capacity with 25 participants.    Coordinated by Prof. Daniela Rossi from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pavia, the four training sessions provided a valuable opportunity to explore the intricate connections between plant extracts and their potential applications in the field of health. Three of these sessions took place online on February 2, February 3, and February 9, while the fourth was in person on February 10 at the Calatroni vinery in Montecalvo Versiggia, in the province of Pavia.   The in-person session at the Calatroni farm started at 9:30 AM, offering participants a unique chance to experience the authentic atmosphere of a working agricultural enterprise. The session included a guided tour led by Dr. Francesco Biale, an expert enologist from the company. Throughout the visit, advanced techniques employed in the winemaking process were explained, highlighting by-products derived from viticulture.

On February 16, 2024, at 4:00 PM, a highly significant event for Oltrepò Pavese will take place at CO.PRO.VI. Società Cooperativa in Casteggio: the meeting "OLIOP: Perspectives for a Cutting-Edge Olive Production Chain".    The OLIOP project has been financed under the Cascade Calls for businesses provided by NODES Spoke 6 (Line A). The lead partner is ECO srl, which, together with its partners Az. Agr. Germano Valentini, Az. Agr. La radisa di Filippo Pre’, and Az. Agr. Andrea Saroni, proposes OLIOP to support the establishment of a new supply chain: olive cultivation in Oltrepò Pavese.   Oltrepò Pavese is an area historically characterized by high-quality viticulture, the cultivation levels of which are gradually rising due to the effects of climate change. The project aims to define a precise protocol for low-altitude olive production, which includes the digitization of olive distribution areas, the design of pilot plants in different microclimates, and the development of advanced monitoring systems to providing predictive models and decision support.    The objectives of the OLIOP project aim to define a precise production protocol, to be achieved through a series of targeted strategies:    Survey and Digitization of Olive Distribution Areas Design of Pilot Plants in Different Microclimates Population of a Database in a Mobile/Desktop Application Agronomic and Nursery Consulting Agro-Meteorological Bulletin for Sustainable Cultivation    Event Program 4:00 PM: Agr. Dr. Bazzano Paolo Nodes PNRR, prospects for a new production chain in Oltrepò Pavese    4:30 PM: Prof. Rossi Graziano Agr. Dr. Russo Lavinia University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Traces of historical presence and life requirements for the olive tree    5:00 PM: Prof. Meisina Claudia Dr. Bordoni Massimiliano University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Vocational Chart of the Olive Tree in Oltrepò Pavese    5:30 PM: Agr. Dr. Trespidi Luigi Feasibility study of an IGP/DOP area    6:00 PM: Dr. Girometta Carolina Elena University of Pavia, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Fungal diseases of the Olive Tree in Oltrepò Pavese    6:30 PM: Az. agr. Valentini Germano Partner agricultural company of OLIOP   Free event with open access.  

Spoke 6 "Primary Agroindustry," has officially kicked-off the first student challenge, providing businesses with the unique opportunity to present innovation and digitalization challenges to digital marketing students of the University of Pavia.    This challenge, tailored for Business to Consumer (B2C) proposers within the primary agroindustry sector, will actively involve students in crafting digital marketing plans. The primary objective is to build brand awareness and engagement, with a focus on both national and international competitiveness.    Proposals should articulate how the firm is currently adopting or plans to leverage digital communication tools. This includes strategies for promoting the company's history, sustainability efforts, and product quality, emphasising cultural identity, innovation, and sustainability practices.   This initiative allows students to test their theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world contexts and fosters collaboration between academia and the entrepreneurial sphere. By encouraging innovation and developing creative solutions, the Challenge aims to deliver an enriching experience for all participants.    For further details, please click here below.    CHECK THE CALL HERE

Tuesday, January 23rd, the University of Pavia successfully hosted the Assembly of Spoke 6 in an online format. The event saw significant participation, with 66 researchers involved in the flagship projects Vino and Formidabilae.    The meeting kicked off with a general presentation that delved into the structure and progress of Spoke 6's work. Following this initial overview, participants actively engaged in two thematic working groups.    The first group, dedicated to Internationalization, involved 27 participants. Discussions covered crucial topics related to the international projection of the flagship projects, highlighting the importance of collaborations and synergies on a global scale.    The second group, focused on Industrial Development, gathered 34 participants, including the 5 Industrial PhD students associated with Spoke 6 and the awardees of academic POCs. Conversations focused on industrial development strategies, innovations, and synergies between the academic and industrial worlds.    The Spoke 6 Assembly proved to be a crucial opportunity to strengthen collaboration among researchers, promote internationalization, and foster industrial development. The enthusiasm generated during the event anticipates new advancements and successes for the flagship projects Vino and Formidabilae in the landscape of university research.                  

On November 9th, at the Piacenza campus of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, as part of the dissemination activities of Spoke 6, a flagship project of Formidabilæ, the seminar "Digital Livestock" was held. The seminar was conducted by Joao Dorea, Assistant Professor in Precision Agriculture and Data Analytics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his doctoral student Rafael Ferreira. The two researchers came to Piacenza to install special cameras at the CERZOO experimental farm capable of real-time recording of the body condition of dairy cattle.    The algorithm that yields the result was developed by Dorea's group and holds valuable information related to health, well-being, and productive performance. The cameras will be used at CERZOO to achieve an early diagnosis of any metabolic imbalances in peripartum dairy cows.    Dorea and Ferreira's visit also provided a valuable opportunity for training and scientific exchange, occurring during the seminar and primarily aimed at students, researchers, and professors at the university. Professor Dorea presented the advantages of precision livestock farming (PLF), which, thanks to various types of sensors, allows for large-scale, real-time, automated, and non-invasive data collection at the individual animal level, or related to management and the environment. In this context, Dorea's research focuses mainly on computer vision systems, which extract quantitative information from videos or digital images through artificial intelligence algorithms.    One advantage is that the video/image format can be used to extract much more information compared to a single sensor worn by the animal (e.g., on limbs, collars, or ear tags), which detects only one type of data. The images used can be of different types, such as RGB, infrared, thermal, or depth. During the seminar, some deep learning methods were presented to analyze images, identify animals, and monitor their condition or behavior.    The initial practical applications of image analysis mainly involved calculating body weight and fattening status based on biometric measurements in cattle and pigs, but quickly extended to various aspects of the livestock sector. For example, Dorea's group developed and tested algorithms for monitoring feeding behavior, calculating respiratory frequency in dairy cows subjected to heat stress, and estimating a locomotion score based on the analysis of the animal's gait and the angle of various joints to identify lameness problems. Additionally, through hyperspectral images, it is possible to estimate the particle size of forages and the diet of cattle. Among the applications is the ability to predict some of the typical peripartum pathologies. Images recorded by cameras were used to calculate the fattening status of animals before calving and predict the risk of subclinical ketosis at the onset of lactation.    All these techniques can have significant operational implications in farm management, also ensuring animal welfare. Precision livestock farming has great potential in various areas of the dairy industry to improve efficiency, sustainability, and traceability of animal-origin products.                

On September 24, 2023, at the courtyards of the Botanical Garden of the University of Pavia, 20 researchers from SPOKE 6, representing the Universities of Pavia, Turin, Sassari, and Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza, shared their research experiences with over 827 visitors.    The Interactive Exhibition: NODES    The day began with seven research booths, curated by the researchers involved in the "Vino" and "Formidabalæ" flagship projects. This exhibition offered visitors the opportunity to understand the work of the researchers and the innovations developed within the context of NODES.    Through videos, images, and experiments, the research in the primary agro-industry sector was highlighted, promoting dialogue between the academic world and civil society to foster innovation and sustainability in agriculture.    The Two Flagship Projects    In the afternoon, two roundtables focused on SPOKE 6's flagship projects, "Formidabile" and "Vino," allowing for an in-depth exploration of the two primary research areas.    The Exhibition and Farmer's Market of Local Varieties    The "X Exhibition and Farmer's Market of Traditional Lombard Local Varieties," allowed the public to discover and appreciate the ancient agricultural cultivars of Lombardy.    Visitors had the opportunity to taste traditional products, know rare varieties of local crops, and learn about the importance of preserving these agricultural traditions for biodiversity and sustainability.                              

NODES Spoke 6: Presentation of Cascade Funding Calls for South Italy Businesses On May 19th, at the Chiostro del Carmine in Oristano, in collaboration with the University of Pavia and the University of Sassari (UNISS), the South partner of Spoke 6, Linea A cascade calls for businesses in the Mezzogiorno were presented. The event involved over 35 participants, both in person and online, including 20 business representatives, 10  from trade associations, and 5 researchers.    Alberto Stanislao Atzori, Professor of Animal Nutrition and Feeding at the University of Sassari, opened the proceedings, followed by Raffaella di Nardo, representing the NODES Ecosystem. Antonio Gallo, Professor of Animal Nutrition at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Piacenza, then described the two main flagship projects of Spoke 6: Vino and Formidabilæ. Elisa Conz, Professor of Marketing at the University of Pavia and Communication and Dissemination Manager of the Spoke, then delved into the details of the call. Marika Anzalone from Unioncamere Piemonte concluded by providing technical information and guidelines of the Webtelemaco platform.    The meeting was an essential opportunity for networking and exchange, allowing businesses to interact directly with representatives from trade associations and the attending researchers. This exchange of ideas and experiences fostered the creation of synergies and potential future collaborations.    The event provided businesses in the Mezzogiorno with a solid foundation of knowledge and contacts to tackle the challenges of innovation and technological development.   For information about the funding calls and participation guidelines, please refer to the section on the website https://www.ecs-nodes.eu/6-agroindustria-primaria/bandi     

Spoke 6 Research Module 1 "Innovation in farms for the agro-livestock sector in relation to new technologies, optimization of production, consumption, territorial and landscape development" On June 6th at 2:00 PM, the research team of the Architecture and Urban Design Research Lab (AUDE) in the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture presented the work in progress of the  Spoke 6 Research Module 1 "Innovation in farms for the agro-livestock sector in relation to new technologies, optimization of production, consumption, territorial and landscape development" of the Flagship Project Formidabilae. The focus of RM1 involves mapping the agricultural landscape around selected case studies within the territories of Spoke 6 and conducting typological, morphological, and architectural analysis of spaces dedicated to productive activities. The ultimate goal is to outline a design model of an "ideal farm" capable of addressing the challenges of the climate emergency through an interdisciplinary approach and to pave the way for a sustainable and inclusive ecological transition. During the seminar, Prof. Carlo Berizzi introduced the main research themes of RM1, with specific reference to the contribution of architectural research methods used in the analysis of the case study "Cerzoo: Centro Di Ricerche Per La Zootecnia E Lambiente S.c.r.l.". Subsequently, Dr. Nadia Bertolino discussed the methodological approach for data collection and analysis, as well as the plan for future activities in defining the model of the 'ideal farm' towards a sustainable and inclusive ecological transition. The two research interns, Miriam Rebecchi and Ilaria Benzoni, discussed the cartographic material produced and the analysis of the case study, highlighting possible areas for improving the structure and associated services, both at the architectural and landscape levels. PhD candidate Marta Mazurkiewicz discussed the article "Technological innovation in urban agriculture towards the ecological transition: a critical assessment of European best practices," which will be presented at the upcoming international conference ISUF 2023 in Belgrade in September 2023.

NODES Spoke 6: Presentation of Cascade Funding Calls for Local Businesses On April 19, 2023, the University of Pavia hosted the presentation of cascade funding calls for local businesses as part of the activities of Spoke 6 "Primary Agro-industry" within the three-year project "NODES". The event took place at the Aula Disegno, with an impressive turnout of over 100 attendees, including 57 representatives from businesses, 46 researchers, 10 territorial entities, and 4 industry associations.    The proceedings started with an opening address by Francesco Svelto, the Rector of the University of Pavia, who highlighted the pivotal role of NODES in creating value within the region by fostering the development of research and industrial supply chains in the Primary Agro-industry sector.    This was followed by insightful presentations from key speakers, including Chiara Ferroni, General Director of Nodes, Hermes Giberti (University of Pavia), Coordinator of Spoke 6 and Delegate of the Rector for Technology Transfer, Paolo Gay (University of Turin), Scientific Referent for the project, and Lucia Marazzi, Deputy Manager of Spoke 6 and responsible for Third Mission Services at the University of Pavia. The event concluded with Roberto Strocco (Unioncamere Piemonte) providing detailed information on the application process for funding through the Telemaco platform.      The presentation aimed to not only inform but also inspire local businesses to participate in the cascade funding calls, fostering collaboration between academia and industry and driving innovation in the Primary Agro-industry sector.    For information about the funding calls and participation guidelines, please refer to the section on the website https://www.ecs-nodes.eu/6-agroindustria-primaria/bandi     

Spoke 6's flagship project FORMIDABILÆ The agro-industrial sector is undergoing a huge transformation due to globalization, the increasing global population, and climate change. This transformation requires significant investments in innovation, digitalization, and the development of new technologies.    Moreover, in the European Union, the transition towards a more circular economy is crucial to achieving the sustainability goals of the Green Deal, and agriculture is a critical sector in this transition. The flagship project FORMIDABILÆ consists of five research modules aimed at improving the sustainability, circularity, and resilience of the agro-livestock system. The primary objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this sector. The research modules will focus on agricultural production, maize, livestock optimization, climate effects on herds, and the use of precision farming techniques.    The project involves a multidisciplinary team of engineers, agronomists, botanists, biologists, and animal scientists coordinated by the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, along with the University of Pavia, the University of Turin, the University of Sassari, and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change. The project will promote targeted approaches to improve smart, resilient, circular, and diversified farming in the agro-livestock sector. This ensures food security and the socio-economic sustainability of dairy and dairy-based food chains in a 4.0 and farm-to-fork perspective.