Nov. 27 – Aggregation, chains, competitiveness and export are the keywords that will bring farms and food businesses into the 21st century. Agrinsieme, the Italian cooperatives’ coordinating agency managed by the Confagricoltura Alliance of Italian Cooperatives, brought together representatives of the European Parliament, the Commission, the Council and agricultural organizations and cooperatives to officially present itself as a composite force. Agrinsieme brings together different experiences and origins to contribute with proposals and projects to agricultural and agribusiness growth in the entire European economy. The event took place in the European capital and represented an important occasion to cover the key issues related to agriculture, businesses, and markets. Agrinsieme stressed that even though the European economy is restricted by the crisis, its food industry has had reduced the effects, generating wealth and employment. For this reason, Agrinsieme insisted on the need for a European policy for the development of agribusiness in the world market, via trade agreements and effective promotion. This will allow European businesses to become more competitive within the international system and consequently increase their presence on international markets. In its role of coordinator, the Confagricoltura Alliance of Italian Cooperatives believes that it is essential to give strength to an EU promotional policy for agricultural and food products, in particular towards third countries, strengthening the institutions in charge. According to Agrinsieme it is also necessary to support businesses and manufacturers so that they can act effectively in markets relying on sound strategies, rules and mutually recognized agreements that guarantee equal rights and obligations.
