On Saturday morning at Agrimont, representatives of the Regione del Veneto are expected, including the Regional Councillor for Agriculture – Forestry – Mountains (representing the President), the Vice President and Councillor for Tourism – Labor – Safety, as well as the Chair of the 9th Senate Commission, for the conference “Veneto Gelato as a Key Element in Italian Cuisine, a UNESCO Heritage”, scheduled at 9:30 AM in the Congress Center.
The event, organized by Venicepromex as part of the Traditional Veneto Gelato project and included in the 2025 economic promotion and internationalization program of the Veneto Region, aims to highlight its potential role and new development opportunities following the recognition of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO heritage. This represents a strength for the region in terms of international tourism appeal, increasingly positioning it as a key destination for food and wine experiences. At the same time, it adds a distinctive element to the restaurant sector through an excellence now globally recognized by its untranslated name “Gelato,” setting it apart from common ice cream in terms of quality.
Speakers will include Roberta Garibaldi, President of the Italian Association of Food and Wine Tourism and professor at the University of Bergamo, discussing the role of food and wine in tourism; Simona Stoppa, media producer and editor-in-chief of GialloZafferano magazine, addressing gelato as a living heritage—from craftsmanship to storytelling; and Pier Luigi Petrillo, Director of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, offering insights into Italian cuisine as a heritage of humanity. This will be followed by a case history from chef Enzo De Prà of Ristorante Dolada, focusing on the presence of artisanal gelato in fine dining from the 1960s to today. The event will conclude with final remarks and, of course, a tasting of artisanal gelato (free participation upon registration – info at www.longaronefiere.it).
AT THE AGRIMONT EXHIBITION STANDS
Agrimont reopens tomorrow, Friday, March 20, at 2:30 PM with a rich exhibition of machinery and equipment for hillside agriculture, livestock farming, forestry activities, gardening, and local products: 279 brands in total, including 232 from 13 Italian regions and 47 from 13 foreign countries.
Various activities are also scheduled at the stands, such as the Campagna Amica inn offering traditional rural cuisine with show cooking (11:00–12:00), lunch service (12:00–3:00 PM), and a zero-kilometer agri-aperitivo (4:30–7:00 PM). The livestock exhibition pavilion managed by ARAV will also reopen, delighting visitors of all ages with calves, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, chickens, rabbits, and alpacas.
New this year is the area dedicated to the Biodistretto Terre Bellunesi, showcasing a collective of local organic farms and their products, enriched by in-depth sessions, demonstrations, and tastings. Meanwhile, the Istituto Agrario Antonio della Lucia will present the “Forestry Course and Forestry Olympics” outdoors, with practical demonstrations on safety in forestry worksites, chain maintenance and sharpening, and chainsaw cutting. Indoors, visitors can try a forestry processor simulator.
CASA VENETO
The Casa Veneto showcase continues, curated by Veneto Agricoltura, with participation from the Consorzio PPL Venete, offering tastings of cheeses, cured meats, and honey from the Veneto mountain supply chain, and the Associazione Alpago Cansiglio APS, promoting the Cansiglio Bike Day 2026, scheduled for May 24.
As the Director stated: “Above all, we are here to support the agricultural sector in transferring knowledge related to research, development, and technological innovation carried out by the Agency.”
This weekend, Veneto Agricoltura will also host two key events:
- Friday at 4:30 PM in the meeting area: “Challenges in Forest Management: the RA∙dì∙CE Project, building a multi-year local supply chain”, presenting objectives and actions aimed at creating a short wood supply chain starting from the Cansiglio and Alpago areas and revitalizing the regional forestry economy.
- Saturday at 10:30 AM: “Mountain Pastures in Veneto: management and enhancement aspects”, focusing on guidelines established by regional law for managing mountain pastures, including food safety, hospitality, catering, support measures, and tourism promotion initiatives.
TOMORROW AT AGRIMONT
Opening tomorrow’s events at 2:30 PM in the meeting area will be the Al.Pe.S Ambiente project, supported by Fondazione Cariverona and organized by Fondazione Progetto Uomo. Following a press conference, results will be presented from this initiative aimed at transforming organic waste and local biomass into high-quality compost for agriculture in the Belluno area, including organic farming.
The project involves several local partners and promotes circular economy models, enhancing local organic waste through industrial composting processes. Trials have demonstrated tangible soil benefits, including increased organic matter, improved structure, and greater natural fertility. The project shows how waste can become a valuable resource, reducing environmental impact and supporting local agriculture. The compost produced also represents a strategic alternative amid rising fertilizer costs. The event will provide an opportunity for dialogue among institutions, organizations, and industry operators to discuss results and future prospects.
Meanwhile, at the Congress Center, the Order of Agronomists and Forestry Doctors will host the seminar “Women in Forestry: skills beyond prejudice”, featuring Laura Secco of TESAF – University of Padua and Annalisa Paniz of AIEL/Coordinamento Rete Donne Foreste, with a strong female presence reflecting the theme of the initiative.
Agrimont opening hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
All events and exhibitors at www.agrimont.it
Longarone, March 19, 2026
