On October 7, in the framework OrganicTargets4EU (OT4EU) project, the Italian National Workshops on the Organic Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and on a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for organics were held at CIHEAM Bari campus.

The event gathered twelve participants, representatives from AIAB Friuli V. Giulia, Coldiretti Bio,  CREA PB, FederBIO servizi, Fileni BIO, FIRAB, ISMEA, Polytechnic University of Marche, and others.

The twelve participants discussed the current advisory system for the organic sector in Italy, what the future advisory system should look like, and how to get there. They also exchanged on organic research needs and priorities.

The results of these fruitful discussions were a list of priority actions for increasing the availability and capacity of the Italian organic advisory services and a list of research & innovation thematic priorities to enrich TP Organics SRIA research areas.

The following day, the group took part also to the Italian national backcasting workshop in which using the ‘backcasting’ methodology, attendees reflected on a national Italian scenario already pre-defined by experts that reaches the F2F target for organic farming (25% of agricultural land under organic farming) by 2040 and the different milestones and actions needed to reach it. They used the results of this discussion to create a detailed, multi-faceted hypothetical transition pathway to 2040, which was the main outcome of the workshop.

The OrganicTargets4EU project is funded by the Horizon Europe program and lasts for three years, until February 2026.

The delegation visiting our Institute included:

• H.E. Shukralla Begard Dlshad – Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources
• Alobaidi Abdulkareem Sulaiman – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources
• Ismail Halkawt and Abdalrahman – Directors General of Horticulture, Forestry, and Pastures
• Ghafour Talan Zrar – Director of Legal Affairs

The visit aimed to strengthen the AICS-funded KORES project, focused on enhancing both the quantity and quality of olive oil production in Kurdistan, while also exploring further opportunities for collaboration and training.

Tripoli hosted CIHEAM Bari at the Libyan-Italian Business Forum and the Fisheries and Agriculture Exhibition, organised by the Italian-Libyan Chambers of Commerce upon the initiative of Prime Ministers Meloni and Dbeibah. The event saw the active participation of the Italian Embassy in Libya and ICE (Italian Trade Agency), and was attended by more than 100 representatives of Italian companies. 

Experts Gian Pietro Testolin and Orazio Albano presented CIHEAM Bari's initiatives in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to strengthening fishing and aquaculture capacities in Libya.

The event provided a platform for numerous Libyan and Italian officials, along with the industry's leading companies, to exchange ideas and outline pathways for sustainable development. The participation of Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah underscored the institutional support and the significance of Libyan-Italian cooperation in promoting the country's economic growth.

Rabat hosts the 12th Meeting of Ministers from Member States of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)

The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Ahmed EL Bouari, alongside Ms. Frida KRIFCA, President of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), chaired the 12th CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting on Friday, October 25, 2024, in Rabat. The meeting brought together Ministers of Agriculture, including Mr. Luis PLANAS PUCHADES (Spain), Mr. Francesco LOLLOBRIGIDA (Italy), Mr. Anton REFALO (Malta), and heads of delegations from the 13 CIHEAM member countries, as well as representatives of intergovernmental and international organizations. Recorded messages were also shared by Ms. Anila DENAJ, Minister of Albania, and Mr. Abbas AL HAJJ HASSAN, Minister of Lebanon.

This high-level meeting continues the political dialogues initiated by CIHEAM since its establishment, placing sustainable agriculture and food at the heart of Mediterranean cooperation. Amidst a region-wide poly-crisis, these strategic sectors for food security are seen as vital levers for promoting inclusive development and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean region.

The central theme of this edition, “A Mediterranean Approach to Food Sovereignty: Concerns and Impacts on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” emphasizes ways to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems, including the “blue transformation,” in response to challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. Special focus is given to the inclusion of rural communities, particularly youth and women, across agri-food value chains.

CIHEAM: A Key Player in Mediterranean Dialogue and Cooperation

Since 1962, CIHEAM has been committed to agricultural and rural development in the Mediterranean through training, research, policy dialogue, and international cooperation. The 12th Ministerial Meeting follows in the tradition of CIHEAM’s landmark gatherings, aiming to ensure a Mediterranean dialogue space on strategic and emerging issues and to develop joint solutions to address challenges, drawing particularly on CIHEAM’s expertise in the region.

Notably, the Istanbul Ministerial Meeting (2010) addressed the impacts of climate change on food security; the Valletta Ministerial Meeting (2012) advocated for the development of an agricultural market information system for Mediterranean countries, linked to the AMIS system, to better manage agricultural price volatility; the Algiers Ministerial Meeting (2014) emphasized measures to combat food insecurity, focusing on family farming and human development; and the Tirana Ministerial Meeting (2016) addressed the dynamics of mobility and migration in rural and agricultural areas.

A Lasting Commitment of Morocco with CIHEAM

The Kingdom of Morocco is hosting the CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting for the second time. In 2000, Rabat welcomed Ministers from CIHEAM member countries, where they discussed consolidating a common Euro-Mediterranean approach to agricultural trade and the vital role of agricultural product exports for the development of Southern Mediterranean countries.

Twenty-four years later, Morocco once again hosts the CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting at the invitation of Prof. Mohammed Sadiki, the current Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, who chaired the CIHEAM Governing Board from 2019 to 2023. His continued commitment to CIHEAM as Morocco’s delegate on the Board since 2009, then as Vice-President and President, has contributed to strengthening ties between Morocco and this organization. This fruitful cooperation continues today, reflecting a shared desire to strengthen Mediterranean relations and build a sustainable future for the region.

Adoption of the Final Declaration of the 12th CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting

After discussions on national policies and coordinated regional actions to address common challenges and promote food security across the Mediterranean region, the participants adopted by consensus the final declaration of the 12th CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting.

Through this declaration, Ministers and Heads of Delegation expressed their support for CIHEAM’s initiatives in sustainable food systems, encouraged youth and women to invest in sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and acknowledged the relevance of CIHEAM’s work.

On 22 October, CIHEAM Bari took  part in the Launch of the OECD Africa Governance Platform at the Biagi Auditorium in Milan.

This high-level event marked the official launch of the AGP within the framework of the Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy. The event highlighted the critical role of robust public institutions in promoting inclusive and sustainable prosperity in Africa in the face of global challenges, financial constraints and demographic pressures.

This was also an opportunity to consolidate strategic cooperation between OECD members and African partners, aiming to disseminate OECD standards and facilitate policy dialogue to address evolving global and regional challenges. 

CIHEAM Bari's involvement  reflects its active role across African countries and its efforts to enhance ministries' competences through targeted capacity-building initiatives. The Institute's priorities include training local officials and  empowering young researchers, with a particular focus on applied research, and promoting entrepreneurship.

By participating in this landmark event, CIHEAM Bari reaffirmed its commitment to advancing effective governance and sustainable development in Africa, leveraging its expertise and partnerships to further shared strategic goals.

Starting on 26 October 2024, every Saturday, Alexandria’s residents will be able to buy local

Alexandria's first Farmers Market will officially open on Saturday, 26 October 2024

This milestone event is part of the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMI-Farmers Markets) project, which is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and carried out by CIHEAM Bari (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies) in partnership with the World Farmers Markets Coalition.

From 26 October, every Saturday from 10am to 5pm, twenty local farmers will be selling their products directly to Alexandria's residents. Located in the bustling Saad Zaghloul Square in the city center, the market aims to become a key destination for purchasing fresh, seasonal, and high-quality food, fostering direct connections between producers and consumers. Shoppers will find a wide variety of products, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy, pastries, honey, meat, and even local handicrafts.

This initiative, supported by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, is a remarkable example of how to shorten the food supply chain. It ensures farmers receive fair compensation while providing shoppers with the opportunity to purchase fresh, authentic, locally sourced products directly from producers.

The market is set to open on 26 October at 10am in Alexandria's Saad Zaghloul Square. Several Italian and Egyptian officials are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

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Apre il primo mercato contadino in Egitto

Dal 26 ottobre 2024, ogni sabato, gli abitanti di Alessandria potranno fare la spesa a km 0

Sarà inaugurato sabato 26 ottobre 2024 ad Alessandria d’Egitto il primo mercato contadino

Questo importante traguardo è stato raggiunto grazie al progetto Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMI-Farmers Markets), finanziato dal Ministero italiano degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale e realizzato dal CIHEAM Bari (Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes) in collaborazione con la World Farmers Markets Coalition.

A partire dal 26 ottobre, ogni sabato dalle ore 10.00 alle 17.00, venti produttori locali offriranno i loro prodotti direttamente ai cittadini di Alessandria. Il mercato, situato in pieno centro cittadino, nella frequentatissima Piazza Saad Zaghloul, diventerà un punto di riferimento per l'acquisto di cibo locale, stagionale e di qualità, facilitando l’accesso diretto tra produttori e consumatori. Sarà possibile acquistare un'ampia varietà di prodotti, tra cui frutta e verdura di stagione, pane, latticini, prodotti da forno, miele, carni e anche manufatti artigianali locali.

Questa iniziativa, realizzata con il supporto della Camera di Commercio di Alessandria, rappresenta un esempio virtuoso di come sia possibile accorciare la filiera alimentare, garantendo agli agricoltori un giusto compenso e ai consumatori la possibilità di acquistare prodotti freschi e genuini a chilometro zero.

L'inaugurazione del mercato in Piazza Saad Zaghloul ad Alessandria è prevista per le ore 10 del 26 ottobre p.v. e vedrà la partecipazione di diverse autorità italiane e egiziane.

“Storyboard” e “Business Model Canvas” i principali strumenti di questo nuovo Living Lab Meeting del progetto Horizon Europe “Grass Ceiling”, giunto al suo sesto appuntamento.

Il progetto, attraverso le idee innovative di otto donne, attive in contesti rurali, mira a promuovere la partecipazione femminile nel settore, progettando nuovi servizi e prodotti che rispondano a bisogni specifici segnalati da ciascuna di esse.

Il meeting rappresenta un’importante occasione di crescita e confronto tra le partecipanti, utile a superare le barriere presenti nel mondo del lavoro rurale.

In questo modo, a Bitonto (BA) presso il Laboratorio Urbano "Officine Culturali", Grass Ceiling spicca il volo nella dimensione del reale. Le idee delle otto protagoniste di questo percorso di progettazione partecipata saranno testate nelle vite reali degli utenti.

Dopo aver monitorato gli ultimi progressi, a metà mattinata si è svolta una sessione dedicata ai “prototipi”, con una fase di lavoro individuale in cui ogni partecipante ha disegnato il proprio prototipo attraverso la metodologia dello “storyboard”, ovvero una rappresentazione visiva che organizza le idee e i contenuti di un progetto, spesso utilizzato nel campo del design, del cinema e della comunicazione.

L’attività si è conclusa, infine, con un’introduzione allo strumento del “Business Model Canvas”, curata da Donatello Macario del CIHEAM Bari, durante la quale le partecipanti hanno appreso nozioni fondamentali per la creazione di modelli di business sostenibili e strutturati.

Anche questa volta le donne innovatrici, attraverso la guida e il supporto dei due co-leads Legacoop Puglia e CIHEAM Bari, hanno riflettuto sulle caratteristiche essenziali che un prodotto o servizio deve possedere per avere successo.

The first Steering Committee meeting of the MIPRO-Sud project was held on September 4, marking a crucial step forward in addressing food security, agricultural, and livestock development in the Red Sea and Kassala states of Sudan.

The project, led by CIHEAM Bari, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and coordinated by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development AICS Addis Ababa, aims at enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale producers and improving food production through strategic interventions in fisheries, agriculture, and livestock health.

During the meeting, H.E. Michele Tommasi, Italian Ambassador to Sudan, underscored the significance of the project in Sudan’s recovery and development: “Sudan’s challenges are immense, but through projects like MIPRO-Sud, we can offer hope and practical solutions. Italy remains a steadfast partner in this journey."

AICS Addis Ababa Deputy Director, Alessandra Attisani, on her side reaffirmed the Agency’s support, saying, “AICS will continue to support Sudan through the implementation of this and other vital initiatives” highlighting the essential role of international cooperation in tackling Sudan’s ongoing challenges.

Biagio Di Terlizzi, Deputy Director of CIHEAM Bari, emphasized the urgency of action: “Now is the time to translate these plans into action. Together we can make a real difference for Sudan’s communities.”

The Steering Committee approved the General Operational Plan and Budget, setting in motion key activities, such as the renovation of Port Sudan's fish market and the establishment of cold chain infrastructure.

The project will also support small-scale farmers in Kassala through access to veterinary services, vaccination campaigns, and the provision of agricultural inputs.

Both regions will benefit from capacity-building programs aimed at improving food production and animal health.

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) of Teramo also plays a crucial role in providing technical expertise, particularly in veterinary and food safety aspects, ensuring high standards are met across all project activities.

The Ministry of Production and Economic Resources (MOPER) of both states are instrumental in facilitating project implementation, emphasizing the alignment with regional development priorities and the active engagement of local communities.

"The involvement of MOPER is essential for grounding the project's activities in the regional context and ensuring they respond effectively to the specific needs of our communities," stated Mr Khidir Ramadan DG of MOPER in Kassala. His counterpart in Port Sudan, Ms. Tahani Ahamed, highlighted, "Collaboration and support from all sectors are crucial for the sustainability and success of MIPRO-Sud, making it a model for future initiatives."

This meeting marked a collaborative effort between key stakeholders, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the success of MIPRO-Sud in contributing to the sustainable development of Sudan’s agricultural and food sectors.

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Comitato di Pilotaggio lancia il progetto MIPRO-Sud per affrontare le sfide della Sicurezza Alimentare in Sudan

Il primo incontro del Comitato di Pilotaggio del progetto MIPRO-Sud si è tenuto il 4 settembre, segnando un passo cruciale nell'affrontare le sfide relative alla sicurezza alimentare, allo sviluppo agricolo e zootecnico negli stati del Mar Rosso e Kassala, in Sudan.

Il progetto, guidato dal CIHEAM Bari, finanziato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale MAECI e coordinato dall'Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo AICS Addis Abeba, mira a migliorare le condizioni di vita dei piccoli produttori e ad aumentare la produzione alimentare attraverso interventi strategici nei settori della pesca, dell'agricoltura e della salute del bestiame.

Durante l'incontro, S.E. Michele Tommasi, Ambasciatore d'Italia in Sudan, ha sottolineato l'importanza del progetto per il recupero e lo sviluppo del Sudan: "Le sfide del Sudan sono immense, ma attraverso progetti come MIPRO-Sud possiamo offrire speranza e soluzioni concrete. L'Italia resta un partner costante in questo percorso."

Il Vice Direttore di AICS Addis Abeba, Alessandra Attisani, ha confermato il sostegno dell'agenzia, affermando: "AICS continuerà a sostenere il Sudan attraverso l'attuazione di questa e altre iniziative vitali", evidenziando il ruolo essenziale della cooperazione internazionale nell'affrontare le sfide attuali del Sudan.

Biagio Di Terlizzi, Vice Direttore di CIHEAM Bari, ha sottolineato l'urgenza di agire: "È giunto il momento di tradurre questi piani in azioni concrete. Insieme possiamo fare la differenza per le comunità del Sudan."

Il Comitato di Pilotaggio ha approvato il Piano Operativo Generale e il Piano Finanziario , dando il via a attività chiave come la ristrutturazione del mercato del pesce di Port Sudan e la creazione di infrastrutture per la catena del freddo.

Il progetto sosterrà inoltre i piccoli agricoltori di Kassala attraverso l'accesso a servizi veterinari, campagne di vaccinazione e la fornitura di input agricoli.

Entrambe le regioni beneficeranno di programmi di rafforzamento delle capacità volti a migliorare la produzione alimentare e la salute animale.

L'Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) di Teramo, partner di progetto svolge un ruolo cruciale nel fornire competenze tecniche, in particolare negli ambiti veterinario e della sicurezza alimentare, garantendo alti standard in tutte le attività del progetto.

Il Ministero della Produzione e delle Risorse Economiche (MOPER) di entrambi gli stati è fondamentale nel facilitare l'attuazione del progetto, sottolineando l'allineamento con le priorità di sviluppo regionale e il coinvolgimento attivo delle comunità locali.

"Il coinvolgimento del MOPER è essenziale per radicare le attività del progetto nel contesto regionale e garantire che rispondano efficacemente ai bisogni specifici delle nostre comunità", ha dichiarato il Sig. Khidir Ramadan, Direttore Generale del MOPER a Kassala. La sua controparte a Port Sudan, la Sig.ra Tahani Ahamed, ha sottolineato: "La collaborazione e il sostegno di tutti i settori sono fondamentali per la sostenibilità e il successo del MIPRO-Sud, rendendolo un modello per future iniziative."

L’ incontro ha segnato uno sforzo collaborativo tra i principali attori, rafforzando il loro impegno a garantire il successo del MIPRO-Sud nel contribuire allo sviluppo sostenibile dei settori agricolo e alimentare del Sudan.