DeliSoil Presented at ‘Aperitifs of Knowledge’ Seminar in Parma, Italy

The ‘Aperitifs of Knowledge’ are a series of public science events open to citizens organised by the University of Parma. These meetings are connected to the topics of Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

On 29 April 2026, Professor Marina Caldara gave a seminar as part of this series entitled “Salute del suolo e innovazione” (Soil health and innovation). The seminar focused on European policies for soil conservation through the funding of research projects as well as the involvement of local organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s).

DeliSoil was presented as an example of a research project that fosters such collaboration, in which Living Labs and Lighthouses seek to bring the business world and scientific research together. The audience showed a lot of engagement and interest, as awareness of soil-related issues is growing, particularly considering that Emilia-Romagna in one of the regions with the highest levels of industrialization in Italy.

This represents a significant source of wealth, but at the same time poses serious environmental risk. However, the by-products of the agri-food industry – in which Emilia-Romagna is the leading Region in Italy – can serve as a source of secondary wealth. The discussion that followed the seminar revealed that local authorities are making funding available, through calls for proposals, to continue field trials capable of providing long-term insights into soil health. These same authorities are striving to support young farmers who are more open to adopting innovative agricultural practices and more mindful of environmental health.