Fondazione Edmund Mach is taking part in the 2026 edition of the Trento Festival of Economics with a panel session dedicated to the agriculture of the future—a discussion focusing on technological innovation, new entrepreneurial skills, and young people, who serve as a key driver in building a productive, sustainable and responsible sector.

The event, titled “Cultivating the future: youth, skills and innovation in agriculture”, is scheduled for Thursday 21 May, from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm, at the Fondazione Caritro Conference Hall in Trento.

The panel features Pietro Franceschi, Stefano Corradini and Marco Stefanini (Fondazione Edmund Mach), Jasmine Chini (Consorzio Melinda), and Viola Scalet (Year 13 student, Agricultural Technical Institute of San Michele all’Adige). The session will be moderated by Gianluca Dotti, journalist for Il Sole 24 Ore. Also attending the event will be Giulia Zanotelli, Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Promotion of Trentino Products, and Claudio Soini, President of the Provincial Council.

The round-table discussion presented by Fondazione Edmund Mach will offer an opportunity to reflect on tomorrow's agriculture, with a special emphasis on the role and expectations of young people in a rapidly evolving landscape. Participants will explore the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to boost farm efficiency and land-use planning, as well as the transition towards a more sustainable agriculture through reduced chemical inputs and innovative agronomic solutions, such as "disease-resistant" grape varieties. Finally, the discussion will highlight the importance of acquiring management expertise and strategic vision, which are nowadays essential for a modern and competitive agricultural enterprise.

This session will provide a valuable occasion to reflect on how research, education and industry can collaborate to empower the next generation to face the economic, environmental and social challenges of the coming years.