The program to relaunch the European economy is also based on food policies’ improvement to curb waste, boost the productivity, optimise resources and protect the environment.
The subject of Mission 2 C1 of the NRRP is based on the need for a radical change in the agriculture and rural development sector.
Italy has earmarked 59.46 billion euros for the Green Revolution and Ecological Transition (31.05% of the NRRP), of which 5.27 billion euros for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Agriculture. The aim is to invest in research and digital innovation applied to agriculture, introducing precision techniques through the use of 4.0 technology, which will possibly develop a more efficient agri-food supply chain, a ‘green use’ of water and food resources, and to achieve a greater farms’ competitiveness, thanks to the modernisation of food products’ processing, storage and packaging systems, with the aim of improving the sustainability of the production process. The innovations envisaged in Mission 2 aim to realise a full environmental sustainability, through smart agriculture and bio-economy solutions, to improve waste management, in strengthening the infrastructure for separate collection in specific recycling targets, and to achieve the goal of a circular economy, including highly innovative “flagship” projects (such as the Agrisolar Park or the Green Islands). The Plan envisages the development of biomethane, which is fundamental for achieving European decarbonisation targets, and will implement land reclamations and actions to protect seabeds and marine habitats. This is a move towards a more competitive and inclusive economy, ensuring a high standard of living for people, reducing environmental impacts and combating hydrogeological damages.
The Republic of Cyprus allocated 447.6 million euros (36.4% of the NRRP) to Ecological Transition, of which 166.4 million euros (13.5%) to the new model of growth and diversification of the economy also through innovation in agricultural techniques, in order to achieve a productivity in line with the 21st century, transforming Cyprus into a hub of excellency in Agri-Tech. As provided by the Component 3.1, the new practices will have a positive impact on the sustainable use of marine and water resources, the prevention and control of pollution, the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems, and the implementation of an environmentally friendly and waste disposal circular economy. Work is being done on creating a social and entrepreneurial culture of respect for the environment in synergy with research bodies and institutions, in order to make understood reforms’ positive effects in the medium and long term.
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, Costas Kadis, has emphasised the importance of technological innovation in agriculture (Agri-Tech) as a tool of strengthening the competitiveness of Cypriot companies engaged in the production and trade of agricultural products, and of attracting long-term investments. Agri-Tech has the potential to address the challenges of field irrigation, animal husbandry and environmental protection, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the optimisation of water resources.
Digitisation in agriculture, as a result of collaboration between companies and institutions, will develop the Cypriot economy, increasing yields, productivity and efficiency.
In the context of the well-established economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce continues its activities to support businesses and promote the development opportunities offered by the digital transition applied to agriculture.
According to the President of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Giuseppe Marino, “Strengthening the digital infrastructure is useful for the companies of both countries to speed up new commercial dynamics, connected with the implementation of increasingly efficient systems in terms of environmental impact, and to encourage the insertion of innovative agri-tech companies and start-ups in Cyprus”.
The Chamber’s activity is aimed at promoting international cooperation between Italy and Cyprus through the creation of agri-food consortia between the two countries and strategic alliances, that will bring benefits to the competitiveness of companies rooted in different geographical areas.
The Chamber will organise a series of meetings, which will be an opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas and projects in the agriculture sector.
In order to provide an overview of the sector and the important investments related to it with particular reference to the NRRP, H.E. Costas Kadis will be the guest speaker at the Smart Talk organised by the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce on 22nd September 2021 at 11:00 ITA / 12:00 CY, which will be moderated by Nicola M. Barbera, Delegate of the Chamber for Agri-Food and Environment.
“Agri-Tech and Innovation in Agriculture” will also be one of the four focuses of the 4th edition of the Cypriot-Italian Business Forum, titled “Italian and Cypriot NRRPs: Relaunching the Mediterranean Economy through Cooperation”, which will take place in Rome on 29th September 2021 h 16:00 / 18:00, co-organised by the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For registration to the event of 22th September and for any other information please write to: segreteria@camcomitacipro.it
Last modified: December 9, 2021