Futa Expo: the success of the forest machinery testing grounds
More than 3,000 Italian and foreign visitors attended the Futa Expo event, which took place from July 4th to 6th in Barberino di Mugello. High-tech machinery for sustainable and rational forest management was tested in the field
The first ever biennial Futa Expo dedicated to forestry activities held at the “La Dogana”arm in Barberino di Mugello from 4 to 6 July was a complete success. The event, promoted by Itabia in collaboration with the CNR-IBE (Institute for Bioeconomy) and FederUnacoma, attracted over 3,000 visitors from Italy and abroad, exceeding organizers' forecasts. According to Itabia, it was significant that industry professionals, buyers, researchers, and enthusiasts came from all Italian regions, with great representation from the South and the Islands, confirming the national scope that characterized the first edition of the event.
"Futa Expo is a very important occasion, since," explains Itabia President Vito Pignatelli, "Italy was the only major European country not to have a national-level event dedicated to the forestry sector scheduled throughout the year."
A number of agroforestry companies also participated in the initiative. The three-day event in Barberino di Mugello saw more than 80 manufacturers present a wide range of innovative machinery designed not only for forest maintenance and the production of biomass for energy, but also for wood supply chain management and the prevention of hydrogeological instability. From forestry tractors to winches, chainsaws to chippers, on up to shredders and measuring systems, Futa Expo offered visitors many types of forest machinery testing grounds in which to observe dozens of machines and technical devices at work, demonstrating the new standards and sustainability requirements in cutting, cleaning and replanting operations in forest areas. The testing grounds were located along a double-loop circuit extending for three kilometers, covering some thirty hectares of woodland. “The proper and rational usage of forest resources depends on the use of the most advanced mechanical technologies. These – observed Vito Pignatelli – allow us to reduce costs today by maximizing production while fully respecting the environment".
The forest machinery testing grounds were undoubtedly the most spectacular section of the exhibition, but Futa Expo was not just a large showcase of forestry machinery. The event was also conceived to promote discussion among supply chain stakeholders, technicians, and operators on key issues of interest to the sector.
The three-day field trials were conducted side by side with several in-depth technical meetings covering a wide range of topics, starting with the conference on "BIOMASSPLUS Quality Management and Certification," sponsored by AIEL, and the workshop on "Sustainability of Forest Management: PEFC Standards and Forest Use," sponsored by PEFC. Other meetings addressed aspects related to the traceability of forest products, sustainable forest nurseries, and the rational management of forestry activities. There were also initiatives dedicated to children, including two educational/informative events entitled "To make a tree, you need a flower."
