Leonardo, a global industrial group, and BF SpA, an Italian agribusiness innovation company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on global challenges within the agri-industrial sector and the fight against climate change. The agreement aims to leverage the respective strengths of both organizations to create a meaningful and sustainable impact.
The MoU was signed by Leonardo’s Co-General Manager, Lorenzo Mariani, and BF Spa’s CEO, Federico Vecchioni, and was officially presented by Leonardo’s Chairman, Stefano Pontecorvo, during the XXII International Forum on Agriculture and Food. This event was organized by Coldiretti in collaboration with The European House – Ambrosetti.
Strategic Collaboration to Tackle Global Issues
The newly signed MoU focuses on strategic cooperation, aiming to address pressing challenges in agriculture and climate change. One of the key goals is to conduct research and development activities in regions of shared interest, particularly in countries involved in the Mattei Plan. The partnership also seeks to promote biodiversity and sustainable development by engaging local communities in the process. By aligning their efforts, Leonardo and BF SpA hope to generate new opportunities and enhance their collaboration on global projects, particularly by tapping into initiatives from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
Leonardo’s Technological Expertise in Smart Agriculture
Leonardo will contribute its expertise in digital and satellite technologies to the partnership. Through its advanced monitoring systems, including satellite imaging of crops, soils, and water resources, Leonardo aims to support efficient land management practices. The company’s technology can help address environmental challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and resource management inefficiencies. Leonardo’s cybersecurity capabilities, along with its subsidiaries Telespazio and e-Geos, will provide geo-information solutions. Additionally, the company will apply artificial intelligence, big data analysis and cloud computing to further the development of “smart agriculture” practices and support the climate transition.
Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, emphasized the broader scope of security in the context of global challenges.
“Today, security can no longer be discussed solely within the realm of Defense. Leonardo’s Strategic Plan speaks of global security. Global security encompasses energy security, infrastructure security, and even food security. This agreement brings our capabilities to the agricultural sector, enabling the advancement of more technological agriculture and the fight against climate change.”
BF SpA’s Agro-Industrial Expansion
BF SpA will integrate its agricultural and agribusiness operations with the collaboration, particularly through its subsidiary BF International Best Fields Best Food Ltd. The company has already established a presence in four key geographic regions: Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. BF SpA aims to expand its agro-industrial infrastructure globally, using its model developed in Italy on over 11,000 hectares of land. The focus will be on replicating the success of these modern farms, known as BFuture Farms, on an international scale.
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BFuture Farms represent a sustainable, adaptable, and inclusive agricultural model that can be tailored to meet the needs of various countries and local communities. The initiative is expected to become the world’s largest network of high-tech agricultural farms. As part of its ongoing and future projects, BF SpA plans to emphasize training within local communities. Its subsidiary, BF Educational, will oversee training and applied research in agriculture and agribusiness, aiming to cultivate future professionals in the sector.
“Today with Leonardo we trace a further path of collaboration and growth in the implementation of the most advanced technologies for the protection of natural resources. Our common goal is the well-being of vast communities through the production of safe food. BF SpA believes in strategic alliances as the basis for its consolidation and growth in recent years.”
Through this collaboration, both Leonardo and BF SpA aim to strengthen their efforts to address global challenges in agriculture, climate change, and resource management, while supporting local communities through sustainable practices.