EIMA 2024, a focus on innovation process trends
Technicians, manufacturers and public decision makers discussed the factors and trends that will influence the development of technologies for the primary sector in the near future. Innovation cannot ignore the human, social and environmental factors linked to agricultural activities
Innovation, sustainability, safety are the issues that will influence the development of global agricultural economies in this year that has just begun. In a world that is approaching 10 billion inhabitants, the issue of yields and, therefore, productivity continues to be central, yet it cannot be addressed without neglecting the – increasingly urgent – need to reduce the consumption of (limited) natural resources as well as the impact of agricultural processes on the environment. But the challenge of productivity must also take into account another factor of primary importance: that of protecting the safety and health of those who work in the fields every day. At present, the human and social costs associated with accidents in the workplace, as well as occupational illnesses, are still too high in many production environments, including the agricultural sector. In short, if an increase in yields is essential to satisfy the increasingly sizeable demand for food products, such an increase cannot be achieved indiscriminately, but must necessarily consider the human, social and environmental factors linked to primary sector activities. This is precisely why, over the last 20-25 years, innovation processes in the agricultural sector have never been determined solely by economic or production needs, but have always been guided by the need to ensure sustainable use of resources, to protect the safety of workers, and to safeguard the environment. This issue, so topical and of such great importance, was widely discussed at the 46th annual EIMA International event, which was held last November with record attendance numbers. On the other hand, an exhibition like EIMA, which stands out for its highly innovative content, is the natural setting in which to address the many issues connected to technological development. In fact, a considerable part of the more than 150 meetings held in Bologna was dedicated to the topic of the social function of innovative processes in the agricultural field. Just think, for example, about the impact that the most advanced air filtering technologies have on operator protection during phytosanitary treatments or, again in the field of phytosanitary treatments, the satellite surveys that allow spot interventions to be carried out on demand, significantly reducing the use of chemical substances. We can also think about autonomous machines, which, in addition to providing rationalization to agricultural work, are capable of accessing the most impervious terrains, so that operators do not have to put their own safety at risk. EIMA International was also an opportunity to reaffirm how weather stations, mapping systems and modern irrigation systems contribute to reducing water consumption in farm work. These systems – it was pointed out in Bologna – are able to communicate and interact with each other, planning interventions based on different parameters (e.g. soil humidity, weather conditions) and thus optimizing the use of water resources. But at EIMA International there was also talk of low-impact agronomic techniques – first and foremost those of conservation agriculture – which have proven to be very effective in countering the effects of climate change, including soil impoverishment. Typical conservation agriculture processes - as the technicians explained - are capable of preserving and reconstituting the organic substance of the soil, restoring the most favorable conditions for the vegetative development of plants. And still on the subject of global warming, the Bologna event opened an important window on agro-energy, shedding light on how it contributes to reducing climate-altering emissions. From next-gen technologies for “green” systems to the most recent sector regulations, and further still to incentive policies, technicians, operators and public decision makers stressed the importance of renewables not only for purely energy purposes but also as a tool for supplementing agricultural incomes. In short, the 46th annual EIMA International event allowed technicians, manufacturers, stakeholders and public decision makers to study, assess and delve into the themes that will characterize the main trends in the global primary sector in the short and medium term.
