Eit Food celebrates the fourth edition of the Journalism Award in Italy

On 22 October, at the Ce+Gusto event in Bologna, the ceremony for the fourth edition of the EIT Food Journalism Award took place, celebrating excellence in agrifood journalism and highlighting stories that promote innovation and sustainability in the sector. This year, more than 100 entries were received from 57 journalists, once again demonstrating the importance of the award in raising the profile of agri-food issues that are vital in today's society.

Organised by EIT Food, an initiative co-funded by the European Union, and with the support of UNARGA and the Future Food Institute, the award saw the participation of journalists registered with the Professional Order, who submitted work on crucial topics such as healthy eating, sustainability, innovation, education and entrepreneurship in the agri-food sector.

This year, the number of papers submitted reached 103, sent by 57 journalists, marking a 120% increase compared to the previous edition. An extraordinary result that testifies to the growing interest of the media in agrifood issues and the work carried out by EIT Food and the Future Food Institute.

On the podium, at Palazzo Re Enzo, in front of the jury were, in order:
Margherita Fronte, for her work The Call of the Meat, who received a prize of 1,500 euros. The winning article brings to the reader's attention one of the most discussed topics of recent times: the excessive consumption of meat and the problem of intensive livestock farming. The possible solution: reduce the use of meat without eliminating it and increase the consumption of vegetable proteins and vegetables.

Paola Pellai, for her work Potatoes, lettuce and freedom, which received a prize of 1,000 euros, tells the story of a group of eight African migrants who were selected through a regional call for proposals for the project 'Individualised pathways out of exploitation'. This project enabled them to free themselves from the 'caporalato', set up an agricultural cooperative and become their own entrepreneurs.

Anna Fregonara for her work The Milk Farm of the Future, which received a prize of EUR 500.
The article explores an experiment in sustainable agriculture with a floating milk farm in Rotterdam that produces high quality milk in an environmentally friendly way. The article addresses the myths and concerns related to milk consumption, including lactose intolerance and its possible impact on health.

Miriam Sastre, Senior Communications & Events manager at EIT Food South, emphasised the need to 'continue working to raise awareness of the importance of making more informed food choices. The media has a responsibility to educate and promote healthier, sustainable and reliable eating habits, while highlighting that innovation in the agri-food sector is essential to address current and future food-related challenges. It is precisely for this reason that we wish to reward the professionalism of these journalists in spreading the values associated with healthier food in society'.