Sustainability in the Agri-Food System

The UNITS Research Unit will host a new LUMEN seminar on "Sustainability in the Agri-Food System: Experiences and Models for Enhancing Cultural and Territorial Heritage" on April 11, 2025, at the University of Trieste. The event will be scientifically coordinated by Professor Serena Baldin, with the participation of other members of the research unit. Among the speakers, Veronica Federico from the UNIFI Research Unit will also participate, chairing the discussion panel.

The agri-food sector is among the most affected by the climate crisis and is expected to face increasing adverse effects. The aim of this seminar is to analyze agri-food sustainability from different perspectives, including food security, biodiversity, agroecology, and the conservation of traditional seeds, through contributions from experts in various disciplines.

This seminar will provide a platform for discussion to define experiences and models related to the most appropriate social and legal responses to ensure sustainability in the agri-food system while also focusing on enhancing cultural and territorial heritage.

The event will begin with a presentation of the PRIN PNNR 2022 LUMEN project by Professor Serena Baldin (University of Trieste), followed by an introduction to the CLIMAVORE x Jameel at RCA project, a LUMEN partner, by Dr. Enrico Milazzo (Royal College of Art, London).

The seminar will feature several speakers, including Serena Baldin (UNITS), Stefano Fabian (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region), Antonella Picinelli (Slow Food Trieste), Maurizio Tondolo (Ecomuseum of the Waters of Gemonese), Moreno Zago (University of Trieste), Roberto Louvin (UNITS), Enrico Milazzo (CLIMAVORE, London), and Silvia Zanini (UNITS).

The discussions will cover various aspects of agri-food sustainability, including food security and strategies for a more resilient agricultural system, the role of permanent grasslands in biodiversity conservation and pollinator protection, and agroecology as a sustainable agricultural development model, with a particular focus on the Slow Food Farm network. Another key topic will be the contribution of ecomuseums to territorial development and the promotion of sustainable practices. The seminar will also explore the links between biodiversity and sustainability in gastronomy, the importance of databases for biodiversity conservation, and legal advancements in the protection and circulation of traditional seeds. Finally, the event will discuss the development of a regional law for the recognition and protection of native seeds.

The event is part of the broader collaboration between the LUMEN project and the CLIMAVORE project – Building Regenerative Food Networks in the Climate Emergency, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing challenges related to agri-food sustainability.

For further information about the seminar, sponsored by the Order of Journalists of Friuli Venezia Giulia, please contact silvia.zanini@dispes.units.it.