IN SYRACUSE ON THE ISLAND OF ORTIGIA DE “WAY SEAL EXPO 2024”. THE CARABINIERI FORESTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURE-FOOD UNIT COMMAND (CUFA) HAS ESTABLISHED AN EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATION STAND FOCUSING ON AWARENESS OF BOTH YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS ABOUT RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE
On the occasion of G7 Agriculture and Fisherieswhich will be held from September 26 to 29, 2024 in Castello Maniace, in the historic center of Syracuse, the island of Ortigia hosts Divination Expo 2024. The exhibition, which covers an area of 600,000 m2 and has more than 200 pavilions, celebrates the Italian excellence in the sectors of agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, nurseries and innovative technologies applied in these areas.
The educational and information stand of the CUFA Carabinieri
It stands out among the participants Carabinieri Commando Forestry, Environment and Agri-Food Unit (CUFA)with an educational and information stand aimed at increasing awareness among both young people and adults about respecting the environment and nature.
One of the most important installations is being recreated a green forest next to a burned forest, demonstrate the detection and investigation techniques aimed at identifying the starting points of fires.
The Forest Fire Information Unit and the Biodiversity Group provide this part of the exhibition, using the Physical Evidence Method. The Biodiversity Group also presents horse breeds, reforestation activities and the project “Smart forest monitoring”.
The grouping CITES deals with illustrating the institutional activities related to the protection of the flora and fauna species protected by the Washington Conventionwith a section dedicated to the finds.
The Agri-Food Protection Command carries out activities aimed at combating counterfeiting and protect Made in Italypresenting the vehicles supplied to CUFA, including quads, e-bikes and anti-poison dog units, which will provide a practical demonstration.
“The force has always paid great attention to the protection of the Italian agri-food sector – said the General CA Andrea Rispoli Commander of the Carabinieri Forestry, Environment and Agri-Food Unit (CUFA) -. To meet modern challenges, synergy, specialization, knowledge, competence, effective and compliant legislation, as well as prevention, education and training are needed.”
The fight against criminal organizations
Therefore, a public meeting on the subject was held at the Siracusa International Institute fight against criminal organizations that pollute the agricultural food chain “agromafy”.
One of the main speakers was General Rispoli, who described the Command as the first force of “green police” d’Europewith more than 8,000 operators throughout Italy.
The CUFA, through specific structures such as the protection of forests and parks, the protection of biodiversity and energy security, operates in synergy with the other structures of the military, such as the NOE, the NIL, the NAS and the ROS.
General Rispoli explained that the Agri-Food Protection Command acts on two fronts: preventing and suppressing fraud related to the production, transformation and marketing of agri-food products and the use of EU funds.
The sectors currently under greater scrutiny include the dairy sector, the fruit and vegetable sector, the oil sector, the wine sector and the phytosanitary sector. Among the most common illegal behaviors are counterfeiting, counterfeiting, counterfeiting, selling goods without labelling, poorly preserved or repackaged food, gangmastering, illegal waste management and tax evasion.
The link between organized crime and public funds allocated to agriculture
The general paid particular attention to the link between organized crime and public funds intended for agriculture, especially in southern Italy, where the Sicilian, Apulian and ‘Ndrangheta mafias control part of the financing flow.
This phenomenon deprives honest agricultural entrepreneurs of resources, leading to business failure, depopulation of rural areas and exit from the sector.
The Carabinieri, using advanced technologies and specialist skills, continuously work to prevent and combat such crimes.
This commitment requires close cooperation between different branches of the force itself, other police forces and government agencies, such as customs, tax authorities, CREA, ISMEA, AGEA and ICQRF.
Addressing modern challenges related to the environment and the agri-food sector
Finally, Rispoli stressed the importance of addressing modern challenges related to the environment and the agri-food sector through an integrated and collaborative approach among all institutional actors.
He underlined the necessity of this “to collaborate” and ensure continued specialization and modernization of police forces and investigators. Not only laws and regulations are essential, but also preventive actions, education and training, to promote a shared culture based on common and scientifically valid values.
“We are convinced – concluded General Rispoli – that, even in this important sector, the close connection to the needs of the area and the working alliance between the institutions can deliver great results and boost community confidence in the institutions themselves, as well as contribute to economic-social development and national competitiveness, for our well-being and for that of future generations, as our Constitution directs us to do.”
