Biomass and circular economy, a challenge for South of Italy
Decarbonizing the economy is a crucial step to combat climate change. Agriculture is the optimal context for putting into practice the principles of the circular economy, activating innovative crops and supply chains and minimizing the impact on the agro-ecosystems. Mechanization also plays an important role in this, and Agrilevante will be an opportunity to deal with the issue thoroughly
For the 2019 edition of Agrilevante the International Exhibition of Machinery, Equipment and Technologies for the Agricultural Supply Chains (Bari, October 10 - 13), Itabia will offer a rich programme of demonstrations, information and commercial activities on the biomass resource and the associated supply chains. In all the FederUnacoma exhibition events - from those that are now historic to those of recent or upcoming launch - the themes of environmental sustainability in the primary sector, combined with the multifunctionality of farms, are always presented as a dynamic element that fuels a strong drive for innovation in mechanization in the many application options, including the most modern technological solutions for a correct exploitation of the biomass resource.
With this in mind, Agrilevante will give the right emphasis to the systemic vision of the bioeconomy, whose sustainability is strongly linked to the efficiency of the machines used in the biomass supply chains. In addition to activating extremely promising new markets, the bioeconomy is an opportunity to protect the territory through innovative agricultural crops, productive management of forests, maintenance of river beds, rows and marginal areas with the necessary opening to the recovery of residual biomass.
This year at Agrilevante, thanks to the close collaboration between Itabia, Chimica Verde Bionet and Federcanapa, the topic of agricultural resources (biomass) will be covered with the dual objective of indicating on one hand the potential of innovative crops and cultivation systems for commercially viable supply chains and on the other hand to indicate the new directions of research and development of the circular economy (bioenergy and green chemistry). All this will be focused on the Mediterranean area, with attention to what is happening in the agriculture of other countries of the two shores, united by the growing problems linked to climate change. To this end, it will also aim to disseminate the results of various projects funded with European funds in which - in addition to Italy - several countries of the Mediterranean basin participated. Indeed, the Bari exhibition attracts visitors from non-European countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Albania, etc. and is an excellent showcase to show the good practices developed nationally and replicable abroad, also for the internationalization of Made in Italy mechanization. As a novelty for this edition - in addition to the programme of conferences, seminars, technical visits and training courses - the exhibition area “Innovative supply chains”, reserved for companies and organizations (about a dozen) operating sustainably in the agro-industrial sphere, will be organized in Hall 20: alternative technical means (fortifiers, biostimulants, biological activators, biopesticides, biocanvas and compostable supports, etc.), first processing systems, finished products and services. Lastly, Itabia will work with FederUnacoma to create a dynamic exhibition in the square (Area 47) in front of Hall 20, where the most modern and efficient machines and equipment for handling and conditioning biomasses will be exhibited and put into action. The interest in spreading the bioeconomy penetration potential in agriculture has led Itabia to involve in its initiatives a large number of entities which, for various reasons, contribute to development and innovation in this regard. Therefore, there will be collaborations with virtuous farmers and companies, with the competent administrations (Agriculture Department of the Puglia Region), with research institutions (CREA, ENEA, CNR, University of Bari and Foggia), and with young students of Apulian universities and technical institutes.
Scheduled events
Info point - A welcome stand will be set up for visitors interested in receiving information and information on biomass-based energy and industrial supply chains. The stand will be coordinated by Itabia and continuously monitored with the support of other experts.
“Innovative supply chains” stand exhibition area - In Hall 20, over a surface area of approximately 150 square metres, companies and organizations operating in the bioeconomy sector will be present with their stands.
Dynamic exhibition - In Area 47, near Hall 20, the main machines used for the treatment of agricultural and forestry biomasses will be shown to the public, recreating the field operating conditions.
Topical seminars and conferences - In room 5 of the Congress Centre, for the duration of the Exhibition, the series of conferences “Innovative agro-industrial supply chains in the Mediterranean area” will take place with morning and afternoon sessions. These will be dedicated to delving deeper into specific issues of sustainable agriculture and the use of biomass in the fields of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, green building, bioenergy, etc. A great number of experts from different well-known organizations will participate as speakers. Information material will also be provided on the covered topics.
Technical visit - Organization of a visit to the Fiusis thermoelectric plant in Calimera (LE), a 1 MWe power plant powered solely by Salento olive grove prunings harvested with innovative mechanization on local farms. This system is undoubtedly a virtuous model of efficiency and sustainability, which is why it has already received numerous awards and prizes at the national and European level.
