Damage that could have been prevented
“The effects of frightening flood in Romagna they could be cushioned by a careful preventive strategy that the CIA has always hoped for in recent years. In fact, modern technologies could have come to the aid of land maintenance, preventing the tragedy that occurred and limiting the damage. Unfortunately, the rains that fell on the hills were instead discharged vehemently on the plains and without maintenance of the woods, many dry stems poured into the rivers. Added to this is the lack of maintenance of the river banks". So Cristiano Fini, president of CIA-Agricoltori italiani, speaking at the Agrifood Summit organized by Il Sole 24 ORE.
A static situation
“Too much ideology has prevented in the past from intervening on the territory: now we have to rely only on research and science. The current situation in Emilia-Romagna is still static, beyond the great will of the people of Romagna. There is a lot of uncertainty in the future due to the lack of a reconstruction strategy. Those who left did so with their own resources, without guarantees of compensation. We also need clarity on the interlocutor - the commissioner has not yet been appointed - and at this moment an institutional figure with whom the intermediate bodies can interface is essential. Businesses are waiting for resources. If a first tranche has already been allocated, others are expected with the Stability law at the end of the year". Regarding the importance of smart agriculture, Fini underlined how agriculture and agri-food must become increasingly digital. The numbers are not yet that relevant and there is still a cultural heritage that holds back innovation. We need to work on dissemination and subsequently on training activities for agricultural entrepreneurs.
The role of new technologies
For some time now, CIA has entered into agreements with important agritech partners to increasingly spread the use of forecasting models, drones and digital sensors and wants to provide support to associated companies that want to access funds for innovative technologies. Also on the institutional front, CIA is looking for interlocutors who can implement the already numerous existing incentives, such as those of the PSR. According to Fini, as a result of smart agriculture there is less use of chemical inputs and considerable water savings, all of this is a great advantage both for the environment and for the economic sustainability of companies. Lastly, new technologies are also important for marketing to foreign markets. If we have reached the record figure of 50 billion in agri-food exports, the scarce digitization must not be a brake on further important growth of Made in Italy. (Source CIA)