By Olasunkanmi Olajide
In a bid to advance agricultural innovation and practices, MACFRUT, a global prominent trade fair in the fruit and vegetable industry, has set its sights on collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The initiative seeks to bolster efforts in fruit and vegetable production, presenting an exciting prospect for stakeholders in both academia and the industry.
IBAD Limited, a key player in this arena, has been spearheading discussions aimed at harnessing the expertise of FUNAAB in vegetable and fruit production.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde addressing the team from MACFRUT, Italy, led by their President, Mr. Renzo Piraccini, and IBAD Executive Director, Dr. Ganiyu Adeyemo, as well as other MACFRUT and IBAD team members in the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi and the Director, CEADESE, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu
This promising partnership signaled a new era of innovation and growth in agricultural practices.
At a recent meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde expressed the University’s eagerness for mutually-beneficial partnerships, when he said, “We are interested in reaching out to those who could enhance whatever we are doing”.
With over 22,000 undergraduate students, a significant portion of whom are enrolled in agricultural courses, the Vice-Chancellor stated that FUNAAB stands poised to contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted the University’s extensive land holdings and ongoing agricultural ventures like pawpaw, cashew and okra plantations, underscoring the potential for innovation and growth in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Miss Cecilia Marzocchia of MACFRUT corroborating her President, while the Vice-Chancellor listens with rapt attention
He, however, emphasised that mere cultivation was insufficient, adding that value addition and preservation facilities were crucial components of sustainable agricultural practices.
Prof. Kehinde, therefore, urged the prospective collaborators to recognise the untapped potential within FUNAAB and leverage it to the fullest extent.
In his response, President and Founder of MACFRUT, Mr. Renzo Piraccini commended the hospitality of the University Management, expressing appreciation for the warm reception received.
He outlined MACFRUT’s objective of exploring opportunities in vegetable and fruit production, emphasising the desire for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
The President noted that by harnessing the collective expertise and resources of academia and industry, the partnership has the potential to revolutionise fruit and vegetable production, fostering innovation and addressing emerging challenges in the agricultural landscape.
Corroborating the President, Miss Cecilia Marzocchia, a team member of MACFRUT, highlighted the potential for technological advancements in nursery establishments and the identification of lucrative business prospects through collaboration.
Miss Marzocchia stressed the intention to establish a strong connection between MACFRUT and FUNAAB, facilitating knowledge exchange and resource sharing.
Meanwhile, MACFRUT, renowned globally as a premier trade fair for the fruit and vegetable industry, is set to host its annual event in Rimini, Italy, from May 8-10, 2024.
This vertical exhibition would showcase the latest technologies, products, and trends in fruit and vegetable production, encompassing the entire supply chain.
With nine sectors involved, including production, machinery, packaging, and logistics, MACFRUT serves as a vital platform for industry players to explore cutting-edge innovations and forge strategic partnerships.
The collaboration between MACFRUT and FUNAAB holds immense promise for advancing agricultural practices and driving sustainable growth in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, and IBAD Executive Director, Dr. Ganiyu Adeyemo.
Others were, Dr. Emmanuel Kolade, Mr. Emmanuel Ansal-Amprofi, Mr. Ilyasu Ishak, and Mr. Olakunke Odunjo.
