AGER – AGroalimentare E Ricerca
AGER – AGroalimentare E Ricerca (‘Agri-food & Research’) is a philanthropic initiative promoted by a consortium of 18 banking foundations, led by Fondazione Cariplo.
Launched in 2008, AGER supports scientific research with a high impact of application in the Italian agri-food sector, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of agri-food supply chains through innovation and ensuring the sustainability of Italian agricultural production.
Initiatives and results of first three editions of AGER
During the first two editions, conducted from 2008 to 2015 and 2016 to 2022 respectively, a total of 32 multi-partner projects with a strong cross-sectoral approach were supported. The primary objective of these interventions was to encourage the development and adoption of innovative agronomic technologies and solutions, specifically aimed at eight strategic sectors of the Italian agri-food industry: cereal growing, fruit and vegetable growing, animal husbandry, viticulture, aquaculture, olive growing, mountain agriculture and dairy production.
The third edition of AGER kicked off in 2021, with an even more marked focus on supporting research and innovation oriented towards sustainable agricultural production. In this phase, extra attention was paid to optimising the use of natural resources and the ability to face the challenges posed by climate change.
One of the major interventions of this third edition is the “From soil to field” call for proposals, resulting the funding of three projects aimed at in-depth research into the soil microbiome. The aim of this study is to enhance the role of micro-organisms in promoting the health and fertility of Italian agricultural soils, while improving the efficiency in the use of water and nutrients.
In late 2024, the “Protein Crops: innovations for sustainable nutrition” call for proposals was also promoted, designed to support research activities on new technologies and production processes aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of leguminous crops. The ultimate goal of this initiative is twofold: on the one hand, to encourage the diversification of protein sources in the diet; on the other, to promote an increase in the use of plant-based proteins, in line with the latest needs for food sustainability.
Overall, the Foundations’ intervention in support of the agri-food sector amounts to over €39 million.
An anticipatory and collaborative approach in agri-food research
During its almost 18 years of activity, AGER has supported projects that follow very different approaches, themes and purposes. This variety has been a strength, enabling us to face the emerging challenges of the Italian agri-food sector and to respond dynamically to the needs of supply chains.
A hallmark of the interventions funded by AGER has been their ability to anticipate research topics that have now become central to the European agricultural agenda. These include the fight against climate change, promotion of the circular economy and protection of the health and nutritional aspects of food. These choices have enabled AGER to position itself as a cutting-edge player that can drive innovation at a national level.
Through the calls, AGER has not limited itself to funding research but has actively promoted models of collaboration between researchers and players in the production chains. The aim has been to encourage the co-generation of knowledge and ensure the transferability of innovations to the production world, so as to make a concrete and lasting impact on the agri-food sector.
Looking to the future, AGER’s added value does not end with the scientific results obtained. Its real strength lies in its ability to build a community of intent that involves foundations, researchers and local areas. This network of relationships, based on trust and sharing, is the key to collectively facing and succeeding in the challenges of the agri-food sector, and to promoting truly sustainable innovation.