Agronomists and foresters, transversal skills to anticipate the future
At the centre of the 19th National Congress also the reform of the professions. Uniforms: 'The category needs clarity on competences and activities'
Key points
A strategic profession for the country's production dynamics. And which must adapt to the changes in society and times brought about by technological innovations, without losing focus on the value of expertise. This is the portrait of the doctors of agronomy and forestry that emerges from the first day of the 19th National Congress.
Between technological innovation and social function
On a date as symbolic as the agri-food jubilee, the category has chosen to project itself into a future studded with ambitious goals. "For decades our profession has defined itself by outlining the perimeter of specialised skills: this approach has been in line with the times but now offers insufficient answers," began Mauro Uniformi, president of Conaf. "Today we need transversal skills and holistic skills to tackle complex problems. To come to terms with the accelerated transformation from Ai and with the speed in the evolution of production processes, which has now reached exasperating rates'.
A framework that, for Uniforms, 'also redefines the profile of the specialist, who is now asked to operate with an awareness of the social function that he or she covers, integrating and going beyond the technical aspects'.
The reform of the professions
But to come to terms with the future, it is necessary to regulate the present. And it is in this context that the subject of the reform of the professions has arisen. "The reform, now delegated to the government and so much urged and awaited by us, should finally bring clarity to competences and activities," Uniforms commented. Dispelling "an ambiguity that has caused harmful misunderstandings, enhancing training and showing young people the potential of the profession". Which, as Maurizio Martina, deputy director general of the FAO, reiterated, 'is called to a great responsibility: finding a balance between conservation and promotion, protection and development, acting as a diplomatic lever for the country'.
Priority to product quality
For the agri-food segment, the profiles of professionals remain a key asset. "In the supply chain, from producer to distributor, it is necessary to ensure the highest quality of the product," reiterated Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. 'And for this, controls must be implemented according to strict protocols: this is where agronomists and foresters can make the difference'. A line that was also echoed by Marcello Gemmato, undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, proposing a synergy between professionals and institutions in the definition of good practices to be applied in order to strengthen the objective One health and "define a new coherent and sustainable health system".
