SYRACUSE (ITALPRESS) – “Welcome to Syracuse, I am proud to host you in Sicily. This land best expresses the history, culture and traditions of our Nation and offers us the ideal context to discuss the future of the agribusiness sector. I would like, first of all, to express my personal thanks to all the Delegations present, the members of the G7, Commissioner Josepha Sacko to the Ministers and Heads of Delegations of Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, and the international organizations for accepting my invitation to participate in the G7 Agriculture.” So said Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry Francesco Lollobrigida at the opening of the work of the G7 Agriculture in Ortigia, Syracuse.
“Yesterday’s forum provided us with important food for thought and, together with today’s meeting, is a further step in strengthening cooperation between G7 members and the African continent. The Italian presidency, in continuity with previous G7 presidencies, wanted to focus attention on advancing efforts to make agriculture and food systems more sustainable and resilient, considering the main factors of food insecurity,” adds Lollobrigida.
“We have, therefore, chosen as priority areas: science and innovation in agriculture for climate change adaptation and mitigation; younger generations as agents of change in agriculture; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; and G7 contributions to agricultural development in Africa. I hope that a commonality of purpose and commitment toward increasingly sustainable agricultural and food systems capable of achieving the goal of zero hunger will emerge from the discussion,” Lollobrigida stressed.
“Agriculture is deeply rooted in the history and culture of my country. However, in recent years, the number of young people entering the agricultural sector has been steadily declining. The average age of farmers is over 55. Young people often face significant barriers to entry, including limited access to land, high start-up costs, and a lack of sufficient support networks. In addition, there is a prevailing perception that agriculture is not a viable career path, so younger generations are often attracted to urban areas and other sectors of the economy,” Minister Lollobrigida continued, stressing that “the presence of young people in agriculture is important. It is useful to know the policies and activities that the G7 countries are implementing to promote generational change, but I wanted to hear directly from the voices of our young people what their needs are and the daily problems they face.”
“The Italian government within the National Strategic Plan for Agriculture,” he explains, “has included intervention measures, aimed at encouraging and supporting young people in the sector, including financial incentives and grants to start and grow agricultural activities. The national strategic plan includes the promotion of training and education, to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and also increase managerial skills.” “In addition,” he adds, “tax benefits and lower interest rates on loans are offered to further reduce financial barriers. In the area of training, Italian young people can count on 260 Agricultural Institutes that are present throughout the country. By removing barriers and providing opportunities, we can inspire more young people to see agriculture as a viable and financially rewarding career path as well.”
– Ipa photo –
(ITALPRESS).
Lollobrigida at G7 Agriculture “Reaching the goal of zero hunger”
