Parma, Italy – February 14–28, 2025 — As part of its ongoing commitment to global collaboration and sustainable innovation, the University of Parma, partner of the Waste4Soil Project, hosted two weeks of tailor-made scientific activities focused on food science, technology, and sustainable agriculture.
These specialized sessions welcomed visiting researchers from Rwanda Polytechnic and the University of Rwanda, aiming to foster knowledge exchange, hands-on learning, and international cooperation.
This initiative was made possible through strong partnerships between the University of Parma and multiple Rwandan institutions. It is part of the Erasmus+ KA2 – Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices – Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education mobility programme.
Program Highlights:
- Presentation of the Waste4Soil Project: Offering insights into the project’s mission to transform biowaste into valuable resources for soil regeneration.
- Laboratory Activities: Facilitating technical skill-building and shared research experiences in sustainable practices.
- Field Visit to Azienda Agraria Sperimentale Stuard: Exploring experimental farming methods and engaging with the Italian project partners Confagricoltura and Legacoop Agroalimentare
- Visit to GESCO/Amadori: Understanding biowaste valorization in the food processing sector.
- Concluding Meeting: Reflecting on shared learnings and discussing pathways for continued cooperation.
This collaborative program brought together University of Parma, Confagricoltura, Legacoop Agroalimentare, and GESCO/Amadori — all Italian partners of the Waste4Soil project — to achieve the goals set by the Emilia-Romagna Living Lab.
“These two weeks offered a valuable platform for scientific exchange and joint progress toward more sustainable and circular food systems” said representatives from the University of Parma.
At Waste4Soil, we believe that international partnerships and locally grounded innovation are essential to building climate-resilient agriculture and restoring soil health, from Italy to Rwanda and beyond.
