At Di4A, innovation involves the development and implementation of new methods, ideas, products, and technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in its main scientific domains.
This includes developing new plant varieties that are more resistant to climate change, adopting advanced technologies for monitoring and managing natural resources, and implementing digital solutions to optimize high-quality food production chains.
Innovation aims to solve existing problems and anticipate future challenges, while promoting the competitiveness of the agricultural and food sector at a global level.
For Di4A, sustainability refers to the ability to manage and use natural resources to address current needs without compromising those of the future generations.
This implies agricultural and food practices that preserve the health of soil, water, and ecosystems, reducing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.
Regarding biodiversity, our department is committed to the conservation of plant genetic resources in Friuli Venezia Giulia through the Autochthonous Plant Germplasm Bank (BaGAV).
The concept of sustainability for Di4A also embraces economic and social aspects, ensuring that adopted practices are economically viable and socially equitable. In our department, research and education on sustainability includes developing eco-compatible agricultural technologies and practices, studies on the environmental impact of human activities, and the promotion of policies that support responsible use of resources.
The activities carried out in our department aim to promote animal welfare and health, that is, the quality of life of humans and animals through adequate nutrition, healthy living conditions, and sustainable practices.
This concept includes the production of healthy and nutritious foods, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the protection of animal welfare through ethical breeding practices.
Our research activity allows us to develop innovative techniques to improve food quality, study the impact of agricultural practices on human and animal health, and train professionals capable of implementing strategies to improve overall well-being.
Environmental health, closely linked to human and animal health, is also a crucial focus, including the reduction of pollution and the conservation of ecosystems.
For Di4A, digitalization is a transversal and crucial topic for addressing future challenges and training new generations in the use and application of cutting-edge digital tools.
This includes the use of sensors and IoT devices for real-time monitoring of crops and livestock, big data analysis to optimize agricultural practices, and the implementation of digital platforms for food supply chain management.
Digitalization allows for collecting and analyzing large amounts of data, facilitating more informed and timely decisions by farmers.
For Di4A, digitalization is a transversal and crucial theme for responding to future sector challenges, and training new generations in the use of cutting-edge digital tools to apply in the real world to address contemporary challenges in the sector.
Quality for Di4A refers to the attributes that establish the value and suitability of products and services offered.
This includes food quality in terms of freshness, taste, nutritional value, and safety; environmental quality through sustainable management of natural resources and protection of ecosystems; and quality of animal life through ethical and sustainable breeding practices.
Our department contributes to improving quality through scientific research, technological innovation, and training of experts thanks also to technology transfer actions with the numerous companies with which it collaborates.
Measurement and quality control, together with certification and compliance with international standards, are crucial aspects to ensure the excellence and competitiveness of the products and services offered.
Saftey concerns several critical aspects such as food safety, workplace safety, and biosecurity.
Food safety ensures a safe product to consume, free from contaminants and pathogens, and compliant with hygienic and regulatory standards.
Workplace safety concerns the protection of agricultural operators and food processing workers from risks and hazards associated with their activities, promoting safe work practices and the use of personal protective equipment.
Biosecurity involves measures to prevent the spread of diseases among animals and from animal species to humans.
The research, teaching, and "third mission" activities carried out by Di4A also aim to promote training in these areas, developing new technologies and methodologies to improve safety in these fields.