December 1, 2016) Cooperation between Italy and China strengthens in the field of agriculture. ENEA, the University of Tuscia (Viterbo) and the Academy of Forestry of Sichuan (Chengdu-China) have signed a collaboration agreement that foresees the standardisation of experimental methodologies, the technological transfer and the exchange of research in the field of the hazelnut production chain. The agreement is based on the results of joint activities carried out in China by experts from three different institutions last year. Italian researchers in China have carried out technical surveys including at the experimental institution dedicated to forest species and the Hilongtan Base Breeding Center tree cultivation. They have also given lectures on the hazelnut and have taken part in meetings with diplomats and local science professionals. Furthermore, experts have met with delegates from the Professional Committee of Hazelnut, China Cash Forest Association (PCH-CCFA) at the Chinese Academy of Forestry of Beijing. The “biotechnology and agroindustry” division of ENEA has developed experience in the sector of propagation, characterisation and valorisation of genetic resources for many years, developing specific competences on the identification and the varietal selection, in-vitro techniques, nutritional and nutraceutical evaluation of products and derivatives and on agronomic techniques of cultivation. ENEA’s role in particular in the national Agrifood public-private cluster, has favoured the inclusion of the Academy of Forestry of Sichuan among the leading institutions for the Italian delegation mission supported by the Ministry of Education and composed of representatives from companies and scientific institutions. (Red)
