International Conference Parma 2024
The Role of Origin in the Sustainability of localised Food Systems
in particular, the role of circular economy in Geographical Indications
University of Parma, Italy
20 – 22 November 2024
International conference on the role of origin and Geographical Indications (GIs) in sustainable food systems
Organised by Origin for Sustainability and the University of Parma.
About the International Conference 2024
The issue of sustainable food systems is gaining momentum, especially with COP28 unveiling ambitious strategies. Key focuses include nutrition, emission reduction, and adapting agricultural practices to enhance food production sustainably. Geographical indications play a significant role in this, showcasing strengths and spearheading various initiatives like energy conservation, waste recycling, promoting circular economy principles, and adopting agroecological practices. Innovations such as enhanced labelling and marketing strategies aim to raise consumer awareness and support sustainable production.
GIs are tools that are recognized to contribute to the economic welfare of their region of origin. They coexist with alternative options that boost the market access and the economic return to the local farmers and food producers. The objective of this international conference is to share different experiences and scientific work about the way sustainability improvement is occuring in the regions where origin is a marker of the identity of the products and is a tool which is mobilised by the local communities to reach out the consumers through direct marketing or long chains, combining with remarkable landscapes, tourism and daily life of the community.
Through interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and stakeholder engagements, we aspire to catalyze actionable strategies and foster a collective commitment towards building resilient, equitable, and sustainable agrifood systems that meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Location
Organisers
- Origin for Sustainability (isabella@origin-for-sustainability.org)
- University of Parma (filippo.arfini@unipr.it)
Visits
Wednesday 20th November 2024: Parallel Field Visits
9:30 to 12:30 Parallel visit 1. Ciao latte organic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
In the morning the Workshop 1 and 2 participants will visit Ciaolatte. It is an Italian farm specializing in the production of organic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Owned by the Peveri family, Ciaolatte controls the entire process from dairy farming to cheese making, ensuring high-quality standards. The farm features three dairy facilities, two adhering to EU organic regulations and one following Swiss organic standards, allowing them to cater to different markets. Visitors can explore the cheese-making process, witness the eco-friendly practices in place, and learn about the Procross system used for breeding their cows. The farm also includes an agrotourism complex, providing a comprehensive experience of traditional Italian cheese production.
9:30 to 12:30 Parallel visit 2. Azienda Agricola Pederzani organic wheat, spelt and maize and stone mills
Workshop 3 and 4 will visit the Farm Pederzani, located in the picturesque village of Pieve di Cusignano, which is an authentic experience of organic farming. Family-run and certified organic since 1998, the farm mainly grows wheat, spelt and maize, selecting seeds locally to ensure resistance and adaptation to the land. After harvesting, the grains are milled in the farm mill without humidification, preserving the quality of the flours. The process, which also includes packaging and direct sales, is supported by renewable energy thanks to a photovoltaic generator. The visit allows visitors to appreciate the complete short supply chain and the harmony between man and nature in this corner of the Parma Apennines.
12:30 to 14 Lunch in Agricola Bergamina
All participants will have lunch at the Agricola Bergamina. It is an old farm located just outside the city of Parma. The farm passionately cultivates a large vegetable garden, orchard, and fields of barley and wheat. At the Bergamina Agricola shop, you can find self-produced fruit and vegetables grown organically, and local products like Parmigiano Reggiano, eggs, various cheeses, and even self-produced beer. The shop, housed in the old stable, also serves as a meeting place for exchanging ideas and fostering direct interaction between producers and consumers.
14 to 16 Salumificio San Paolo Prosciutto di Parma and Salamedi Felino IGP
In the afternoon, all event participants will visit Salumificio San Paolo, a family-run business since 1974. Located in Traversetolo, Parma, this salumificio combines traditional methods with modern techniques to produce world-renowned Prosciutto di Parma and Salame Felino IGP. With the unique advantage of the local marine winds, which have caressed their products for generations, Salumificio San Paolo ensures the highest quality through careful salting, sugnatura, and aging processes. Today, the company, led by Luca and Sara Bertacca, continues to uphold the legacy of their ancestors while embracing innovation and excellence in their craft.
16 to 18 Cantina Cà Bonetto Winery
Concluding the day, a visit to the Cà Bonetto Winery, inaugurated in 2010 by the Cunial family, offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Located in a picturesque setting, the winery boasts spacious offices, a well-equipped laboratory, a meeting room, and a rustic yet contemporary wine shop. Here, you can enjoy tastings at the beautifully crafted counter. The heart of the winery lies in its state-of-the-art processing and storage area with a capacity of 7000 hectolitres and meticulous attention to quality capable of handling 400 quintals of grapes per day during the harvest, primarily sourced from their vineyards. This visit encapsulates the essence of fine wine production in an elegant and functional environment.
Friday 19 hs Dinner at Da Marini
After a full conference day, for dinner, we will be dining at “Corale Verdi,” a charming trattoria located in the vibrant Oltretorrente district next to the beautiful Parco Ducale. Housed within the cultural association Corale Giuseppe Verdi, where the first members of Parma’s Teatro Regio Choir trained, this restaurant offers authentic Parmigian cuisine. The traditional dishes, such as ravioli with culatello sauce and a selection of boiled meats, are a must-try. The ambience is enhanced by live operatic performances and musical aperitifs, reflecting the soul of the city through its passion for opera and fine local food.
Friday 22nd November
9:30 to 12:30 Visit to Podere Stuard Traditional/Innovative Farm
The final visit of the conference will be to Stuard Farm, a non-profit consortium company managed by a Board of Directors. Stuard Farm is supported by a dedicated team, including agronomists, a food technologist, administrative staff, marketing and sales personnel, and specialized agricultural workers. This innovative farm combines traditional agricultural practices with modern research, hosting experimental field trials and fostering collaborations with interns, disadvantaged individuals, and refugees. Our visit here will provide a unique setting to debate and conclude the conference discussions, amidst an environment that exemplifies the integration of sustainable farming and community engagement.
Call for papers
We invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit papers for presentation at the International Conference on the Role of Origin in the Sustainability of Localized Food Systems. This conference, scheduled for November 20-22 in Parma, will serve as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative exploration of the pivotal role that origin and Geographical Indications (GIs) play in fostering sustainable food systems.
The International Conference aims to open debates on several important themes for participants, who will work together to envisage a sustainable, circular, healthy and transparent food system.
The International Conference is open to all, to establish links between practical projects and research, whether it be disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary.
To send your contribution:
- First register on this link https://forms.gle/5DDBRLh2b3gn4L1r5
- Read the concept note.
- Download the contribution template available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hnevgoo4jgwf25hcejqhp/ACvnpkgQRyuxkcJ9fWtZ67g?rlkey=uk9xwqr5scpuxnbgomridfpzy&dl=0
- Upload your one-page contribution by clicking here: https://www.dropbox.com/request/KeBMwq35BxxyGZtgGZzB
Payment Instructions
Conference Fee 120 euros
You can complete your payment using one of the following methods:
Online Payment: Pay CHF 115 directly to Origin for Sustainability via this link.
Bank Transfer: Alternatively, you can make a transfer to our account using the details below:
- Company Name: Association “Origin for Sustainability”
- Company Address: Avenue Parc-de-la-Rouvraie 20, CH-1018 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bank Name: POSTFINANCE SA
- Bank Address: Mingerstrasse 20, CH-3030 Berne, Switzerland
- IBAN: CH22 0900 0000 1533 2503 1
- BIC: POFICHBEXXX
- Currency: EURO
Please ensure to include your name and “Conference Payment” in the payment reference.
If you find any issues send an email to isabella@origin-for-sustainability.org
As a platform for knowledge and multiple stakeholders, Origin for Sustainability organises an international Forum each year with a renewed focus, bringing together participants from five continents over three days.