The Brasile Embassy in Italy, in collaboration with the Brazilian agency for the promotion of trade and investments organized an international importance seminar on 3 April 2025.
In the context of the growing global challenges related to sustainability and food safety, dialogue between nations and international cooperation have become fundamental elements to guarantee a sustainable future for our planet. The initiative “Brazil and Italy – Dialogue on sustainable agriculture: science to nourish the world” took place at the headquarters of the Brazilian Embassy, in Piazza Navona 14.
This seminar was a precious comparison between experts, institutions and representatives of the academic and entrepreneurial world of the two countries.
Sustainable agriculture: a global challenge
The concept of sustainable agriculture is starting to acquire growing importance globally. This is not only for his ability to preserve the environment, but also for his crucial role in the fight against poverty and hunger. The demand for food is constantly increasing in the world, linked to population growth and climate change. There is therefore an approach that combines technological innovation with responsible agricultural practices.
International trade and the European Union agreement e Mercosur
The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the presidents of four Mercosur countries (the Brazilian president Lula, the Argentine president Milei, the Paraguayan president Peña and the Uruguayan president Lacalle Pou) have concluded the negotiations for an innovative EU-Vercosur partnership agreement.
In this regard, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “This is an advantageous agreement for everyone, which will render important benefits for consumers and companies of both sides. It is hinged on the equity and mutual benefits. We have implemented the fears of our farmers and acted accordingly. This agreement provides for solid guarantees to protect their livelihood”.
An agreement that aims to reduce trade barriers, facilitating mutual access to markets.
Currently, among the various economic and safety initiatives, the agreement provides for the reduction of duties on over 91% of European exports to the South common market and approximately 92% of the duties on exports from Mercosur countries in the EU.
The importance of dialogue and collaborations
The seminar of Rome was therefore an important opportunity to encourage dialogue and collaboration between institutions, sector associations and businesses from both countries. The sharing of experiences, best practices and innovative solutions is in fact crucial to trace the path towards agriculture that can meet the food needs of the future, reducing the environmental impact and improving the living conditions of the poorest populations.
The beginning of the seminar
The event began at 9:00 am with the Welcome Coffee and the credit of the participants. The opening ceremony was followed with the greeting of Renato Mosca, Brazil ambassador to Italy, with the introduction of the works and the theme of the meeting. Subsequently Paolo Garzotti, interim director for the Americas, agriculture and food safety of the European Commission of Commerce General, has held a Speech Keynote on the importance of international cooperation in the context of sustainable agriculture.
The speakers – First part
Among the speakers Andrea Rocchi, president of the Council for Research in Agriculture and the analysis of the agricultural economy. Stefano Vaccari, general manager of the Central Inspectorate of Protection of Quality and Fraud repression of agri -food products of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests. Luis Rua, secretary for trade and international relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Zootechnical of Brazil. Fernando Sampaio, director for the sustainability of the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporters Industries.
Second part
The focus was oriented on food safety and international commercial policies, with particular attention to the partnership agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. In this session, the deputy to the European Parliament Dario Nardella intervened in video connection. Interventions of the Ambassador of Brazil’s Permanent Mission to Brussels Pedro Miguel Da Costa and Silva followed. Still contributions from Cristina Tinelli, director of the International Relations of Confagricoltura, and Sueme Mori, director for international relations of the confederation of agriculture and zootechnics.
All prospects that can be described as an opportunity for cooperation and exchange between Italy, Brazil and the European Union.
