The SiciliaFiera exhibition center, in Misterbianco, Corso Carlo Marx, with entrance from Via Franchetti, will host ‘Frutech,’ the major exhibition event in Southern Italy from Nov. 28-30, 2024, an expo dedicated to agroecological transition and new frontiers in the fruit and vegetable sector. Tre giorni intensi tra networking, incontri, tavole rotonde all’interno della più grande area espositiva del Sud, nel cuore del Mediterraneo.

The goal of Frutech is to become a place for exchange and discussion on issues related to natural resource management, increasing diversity in production to the transformation of agricultural and food systems. A focus will be made on 360-degree agriculture from organic to biodynamic; from sustainable to smart 4.0 and social.

Frutech’s Sales Director, Rosario Sallemi, who has been organizing trade fairs and events in the sector for years, states: “Sicilian agriculture is a key sector for the island’s economy, characterized by a wide variety of crops and agricultural practices that reflect the diversity of the territory and its age-old traditions. Sicily, thanks to its Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and diverse landscapes, is particularly suited to the cultivation of many plant and fruit and vegetable species, but this sector also requires continued research. The topics and macro-areas we will address over these three days will range from research and innovation in the fruit and vegetable sector to crop diversification strategies, not to mention soil management practices and natural and energy resources, and, above all, environmental and economic sustainability. Special attention will be paid to distribution models and new market trends to implement the sector’s growth and development strategies, offering various opportunities for both farmers and consumers. Many foreign buyers will be participating, especially from Turkey, Spain, Greece, and Northern Europe.”

Professor Alessandra Gentile of the University of Catania, Full Professor of General Arboriculture and Tree Crops and Chair of the Technical Scientific Committee, emphasized that “The three-day event will address crucial topics related to research and technological innovation, which today represent a fundamental opportunity for agri-food companies both nationally and internationally. These tools are essential for addressing major issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable defense against emerging diseases, with a view to sustainability. Research and the transfer of technological innovations, including at the genetic level—such as the use of more stress-tolerant varieties and rootstocks—must help ensure higher income levels for farmers while also enabling more environmentally sustainable cultivation practices.”

“Today we need a modern and innovative vision of the agricultural sector,” continues SiciliaFiera President Nino Di Cavolo, “more than ever in a region like Sicily, which is particularly suited to this sector, highlighting how the integration of technology into agricultural practices can lead to significant improvements in the quality, sustainability, and productivity of agri-food products. Here are some key points: improving productivity through  precision farming< 2 >and the automation of agricultural processes; the adoption of blockchain technology in the agri-food sector enables complete product traceability, from farm to fork, ensuring transparency and food safety. And the analysis of data collected through sensors and connected devices allows for informed decisions and improved agricultural product quality.

Among the various initiatives will be a pomological exhibition on tomatoes where all types and varieties of solanaceous plants grown in Sicily ‘in the transformed belt’ from Pachino to Licata will be displayed. There will be active involvement of schools because children must not forget that the area is an indispensable resource both in terms of productivity and job outlet.

The Exhibition Meeting Hub, in Misterbianco, will be an important showcase where to find out what is new in this field.