– by UNIBO
On the 21st of February 2024, at the premises of Bologna’s Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), a workshop titled “The Energy Transition in Livestock Farming: Problems and Perspectives Co-design meeting among stakeholders” took place. The meeting was open to stakeholders, technicians, entrepreneurs and operators in the agricultural sector and bodies and organizations involved in the energy transition process of the agro-livestock supply chain. The meeting was coordinated by Stefano Benni, Associate Professor of Rural Construction at the University of Bologna, who gave an overview of the RES4LIVE project. Presentation available here. Sarah Magrini, Head of Environment and Territory Area Coldiretti Emilia Romagna, presented the point of view of Coldiretti, which brings together 1.5 million associated Italian farmers: Farms in the energy transition: concerns and requests. Presentation available here. Dr. Marco Alberghini, representing Terra Viva Association of Free Agricultural Producers, articulated the perspectives of farmers, drawing from several experiences and opinions. Presentation available here. Corrado Fantuzzi of STET-Agri followed, delving into the nuances of livestock building design and the evolving challenges faced by technicians and companies in the field. Presentation available here. Guglielmo Golinelli, a member of the Agriculture Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and a breeder, shed light on the legislative landscape, providing a panoramic view of national policies. Presentation available here. Dr. Davide Montagnini then presented the case study of his own agricultural company, a farm of 500 dairy cows, located in the Bologna plain, with a 200kW photovoltaic system which is scheduled to double, a 300 kW biogas plant powered with 30,000 t/year of wastewater, with the possibility of doubling and preparing the connection to the methane pipeline network for a possible upgrade to biomethane.
The Rural Construction Research Group at DISTAL, University of Bologna, discussed the implementation of a pilot project on renewable energy technologies in livestock farming, focusing on RES4LIVE and the Golinelli Agricultural Company.
Finally, during the round table and discussion (presentation available here), participants began with a presentation on climate-changing emissions linked to various human activities, including agriculture. They engaged in dialogue, emphasizing the significance of proposed ideas and interventions. Specifically, they stressed the need for guidelines, policies, and regulations to boost agri-food production while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources compatible with agricultural practices. Additionally, incentives for enhancing energy efficiency in agricultural and livestock buildings were highlighted. Professor Daniele Torreggiani emphasized the importance of integrating these topics into the education and training of young agronomists at all academic levels. Finally, he illustrated the next international conference ECPLF2024, i.e. the 11th European Precision Livestock Farming Conference “PLF-Welfare-Sustainability nexus”, scheduled in Bologna from 9 to 12 September 2024. In particular, the workshop scheduled for the 9th September is presented, dedicated to the new challenges for the agricultural and livestock world, in which interested stakeholders will participate. The program and further information on the event are available here.
© all pictures UNIBO
