From 12 to 14 April, the city of Brindisi hosted an event of strong symbolic and strategic significance: the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of FederUnacoma, held aboard the historic Amerigo Vespucci ship, during the sixth stage of the Vespucci Mediterranean Tour – Villaggio IN Italia. Among those attending was Giorgio Zonta, one of the owners of Rima S.p.A., present in representation of the company and as a member of FederUnacoma’s General Council.
The Mediterranean at the heart of the discussion
The event featured the participation of the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, the President of FederUnacoma, Mariateresa Maschio, and numerous representatives from across the sector. Moderated by journalist Gioacchino Bonsignore, the main talk focused on the future of agriculture in Mediterranean countries and the strategic role of agricultural mechanisation in ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and food security.
According to the data shared, by 2032 the population of North Africa and the Middle East is expected to exceed 520 million people, significantly increasing the demand for food. In this context, the technologies developed by the Italian agri-mechanical sector can play a decisive role, offering solutions to optimise resources, improve yields and recover degraded agricultural land.
Innovation, foreign markets, and European policy
In his address, Minister Lollobrigida emphasised the need to strengthen support for Italian companies in the sector, enhancing the value of Made in Italy in international markets. He also called for a revision of European incentive policies, to ensure they more effectively respond to the real needs of productive sectors.
For the companies present, including Rima, the event was an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of collaboration between institutions, industry, and research in view of the global challenges the sector will face in the coming years.
Villaggio IN Italia: showcasing agricultural technology
Alongside the institutional meetings, the Villaggio IN Italia set up at the port of Brindisi hosted an exhibition area dedicated to Italian agri-mechanics. On display were machines and equipment designed for high-value crops such as vineyards and orchards, tailored to the specific climatic and agronomic conditions of Mediterranean regions.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate to the public and professionals how technological innovation can support more sustainable and competitive agricultural production, even in complex environmental contexts.
The tour and upcoming events
The Vespucci Mediterranean Tour – Villaggio IN Italia, promoted by the Ministry of Defence and twelve other Ministries, will travel to over 30 countries in 20 months. Its aim is to showcase and promote the very best of Italy – from industry to culture, from technology to gastronomy.
As noted by Simona Rapastella, Director General of FederUnacoma, the Vespucci ship perfectly embodies the symbolic value of the initiative: a true ambassador of Italian talent and quality around the world.
Rima’s role within the association
The presence of Giorgio Zonta at the event highlights Rima S.p.A.’s active involvement in the associative life of FederUnacoma. It is a role the company carries out with commitment, contributing to discussions on the sector’s key challenges and helping to shape a shared vision for the future of Italian agri-mechanics.
FederUnacoma’s 80th anniversary celebrations will continue in the coming months, with a series of events focused on innovation, international promotion, and strengthening the agri-mechanical sector — events in which Rima will also continue to take part.
