3 questions to Laura Castellan, COVE Italy Leader

The Italian COVE is led by the Emilia-Romagna Agrifood Cluster (CLUST-ER). Let’s learn more about this organization and its role in the project.

The Emilia-Romagna Agrifood Cluster (Clust-ER Agroalimentare) is a dynamic partnership of public and private entities, including companies, research centers, and educational institutions. Together, they drive innovation in the agrifood sector of Emilia-Romagna, one of the most productive Italian regions, aligning with the Smart Specialization Strategy to enhance regional competitiveness and sustainability. As the coordinator of the Italian Center of Vocational Excellence (COVE) within the AgriFood4Future project, the Emilia-Romagna Agrifood Cluster plays a fundamental role in promoting vocational excellence, especially concerning its ability to respond to the agrifood industry’s evolving needs.

Laura Castellan is an experienced project manager specialising in European funded initiatives. Her work primarily focuses on coordinating efforts to meet the existing and emerging needs of the agri-food industry through innovative training and development projects. Within Agrifood Clust-ER, she manages significant EU funded projects including AgriFood4Future and Circolive, aimed at improving vocational education and training across Europe. Her role in leading the Italian Center of Vocational Excellence (COVE) showcases her commitment to advancing innovative agricultural practices and education in Italy.

What is the “mission” of the Italian COVE?

The Italian Center of Vocational Excellence (COVE) is committed to fostering a reliable skills ecosystem that promotes vocational excellence and innovation in the agri-food sector. Currently based in and focused on the Emilia-Romagna region, with plans for a broader national expansion in the future, the COVE acts as the main representative and point of contact for the AgriFood4Future project at both regional and national levels. Its mission focuses on collecting local needs to bring them into the project, and on fostering and enhancing the implementation and dissemination of AF4F activities and results within the territory. The Italian COVE aims to be recognized as a key player in advancing vocational education and training, ultimately contributing to the Emilia-Romagna region’s and Italy’s agri-food sector development.

What is the “added value” of the Italian COVE for the AF4F project?

The “added value” of the Italian Center of Vocational Excellence (COVE) for the AF4F project lies in its role as a point of reference for integrating regional expertise and resources into project initiatives. Operating as a “virtual hub,” it serves as a facilitator for knowledge exchange and leverages on a network of partners representing an ecosystem of competencies, tools, structures, activities, and projects. Currently, it aggregates and adds value to the initiatives of its founding members — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Clust-ER Agroalimentare, Phorma Mentis — and in the future, it aims to include initiatives from other project stakeholders as part of the AF4F COVE network expansion efforts. This strategic development will enhance the CoVE’s impact and further amplify the project’s reach and influence, ultimately fostering vocational education and training innovation and excellence across Italy.

When we finish the AF4F project, what would be the greatest achievement of the project in your opinion?

The greatest achievement of the AF4F project would be its contribution to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the European agri-food industry, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing world through enhanced vocational education and training (VET) practices. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the workforce, AF4F will leave a lasting impact on the industry, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture and food production. Moreover, the establishment of a strong European network of Centers of Vocational Excellence (COVEs), including the Italian COVE, will serve as a cornerstone for ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond the project’s duration. This legacy will ensure the continued advancement of vocational excellence and innovation in the agri-food sector, benefiting both current and future generations of industry professionals.