FAO and University of Naples Federico II to share innovation and technology expertise for the development of resilient agrifood systems

Rome - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the University of Naples Federico II will collaborate to enhance resilient agrifood systems through the exchange of innovation and technology expertise, according to a Letter of Intent signed today at the Organization’s headquarters by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and the University’s Rector Prof. Matteo Lorito.

This collaboration will be linked to the Strategic Framework 2023-32 that guides FAO’s efforts in the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems.

FAO is looking to draw on the university’s innovation capabilities and expertise in the field of agrifood science and technology advancements in Agritech to support the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals particularly those connected to ending hunger, promoting responsible consumption and production, and addressing climate change.

"Partnerships with academia are key to advancing efforts to promote knowledge transfer, innovation and technologies for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems," FAO Director-General Qu said at the event.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences is one of the largest departments at the University of Naples, and research and teaching activities focus on areas that align with FAO’s goals, including improving sustainability, addressing climate change resilience, reducing waste and environmental impact, and enhancing safety and traceability in agrifood chains. This collaboration will further bolster FAO’s technical work in these key areas.                                            

FAO is also expected to contribute through free access to training resources and organization of events for students who will be a part of the newly launched MSc program in Sustainable Food Systems at the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

The University of Naples Federico II is one of the oldest universities of higher learning in Italy established as a public university in 1224.