The 8th Regional UILA UIL Congress for Lazio took place in Latina, at “Latina Formazione Lavoro”, an important moment for discussion dedicated to the future of the agri-food sector, titled “Protection, rights and work: let's build Lazio's agri-food sector together”.
A meeting that brought together institutions, trade unions, employer representatives, and local actors, with the aim of reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of a sector that is strategic not only from an economic point of view, but also social, cultural, and identity-based.
For ANCI Lazio, Simona Mulè, Coordinator of the ANCI Women's Consultative Committee of Lazio, spoke, bringing the greetings of President Daniele Sinibaldi and Secretary General Luca Masi, and emphasising the value of broad and shared discussion.
“Building Lazio's agri-food sector together – he highlighted – means networking institutions, trade unions, businesses and local communities, with the awareness that development cannot be separated from the dignity of work, safety, legality and sustainability”.
His speech reiterated the central role of Municipalities, the first institutional presence in the territories and direct interlocutors for the needs of citizens, agricultural businesses, and workers. Precisely for this reason, ANCI Lazio has invested over the years in concrete projects capable of supporting territories in processes of social innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Among these, the “Origine Comune” project, active since 2015, was remembered. It has contributed to enhancing territorial identities and local productions through the promotion of De.Co. (Denominations of Origin), which now number 68 in Lazio, strengthening quality supply chains and networks between local authorities.
There is also ample space given to initiatives funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), such as the S.O.L.E.I.L. and R.I.P.A.R.O. projects, which are cross-regional initiatives that promote socio-occupational inclusion and combat exploitation, while simultaneously strengthening territorial services through dedicated helpdesks and integration pathways. Alongside these is RILS Lazio, the regional plan for civic and linguistic training.
“Experiences – it has been emphasised – that demonstrate how Municipalities can be key players in the creation of innovative models of territorial welfare and inclusive development.”.
The Congress also provided an opportunity to reflect on the major challenges facing the agri-food sector: from climate change to rising energy costs, from global competition to technological innovation, and the fight against irregular work and exploitation of workers.
In this context, the need for a shared vision and structured dialogue between institutions and social partners has strongly emerged, in order to build solid alliances and governance capable of responding effectively to the needs of the territories.
ANCI Lazio has reiterated its commitment to supporting Municipalities in participating in national and European opportunities, in building networks between the public and private sectors, and in promoting development models based on environmental sustainability and the centrality of the individual.
The agri-food sector in Lazio can still grow significantly, it has been highlighted, but it must do so without leaving anyone behind, combining economic development, social justice, and quality of life.