Rome, 07 June 2024. The Component 2 of AL-INVEST Verde, implemented by FIIAPP and IILA, in collaboration with the Embassy of Argentina in Italyorganised the presentation of the traceability system on 6 June. VISECThe project is a tool to promote trade in deforestation-free products from Argentina, which is supported by AL-INVEST Verde and has been adopted at the national level by the Government of Argentina.
The presentation took place at the IILA headquarters in Rome. It was attended by representatives of the beef, leather and soy supply chains, together with interested institutions and organisations.
The inauguration was attended by Gianandrea RossiThe event was attended by Mr. Marcelo Martín Giusto, Executive Director of IILA, who welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of dialogue and exchange between Europe and Latin America; Mr. Marcelo Martín Giusto, Ambassador of Argentina in Italy, and Ms. María Madrid, from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment.
During his presentation, Marcelo Martín Giusto explained that VISEC will allow Argentina to comply with the new EU regulations, such as the Deforestation-free supply chains regulation (EUDR), and pointed out that it is "a concrete, effective and pioneering response". "It will allow us to reliably showcase two of our star products, such as soya and beef," he said.
For its part, María Madrid stressed the EU's commitment to the implementation of the EUDR and referred to the need to maintain an open dialogue with all parties to assist in its implementation. In this regard, he pointed out that VISEC "represents an essential tool" and "an example for developing traceability schemes".
Following these interventions, Gustavo IdígorasThe president of CIARA (Cámara de la Industria Aceitera de la República Argentina) and CEC (Centro Exportador de Cereales) and head of VISEC, said that this platform aims to "be a single digital system for many products". He explained that some 20,000 users will be trained in the use of the VISEC system and stressed that, although it will begin with the analysis of soybeans and cattle, it will later be possible to extend verification to other products "in response to other needs that may arise in the coming years".
The event was closed by Col. Giancarlo PapittoThe Carabinieri's Forestry, Environment and Agri-Food Unit Command, who explained the work they do to ensure deforestation-free trade and thus compliance with the EUDR, said: "We work from the early stages together with the countries to reduce risks. "We work from the early stages together with the countries to reduce the risks," he stressed.
About AL-INVEST Verde
AL-INVEST Verde is a programme funded by the European Union (EU). Its main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 2, led by FIIAPP in consortium with IILA, the programme provides assistance for strengthening public policy and multi-stakeholder dialogues on sustainable agricultural and value chains, environmental and labour standards, as well as sustainable trade and economic policy and regulatory frameworks.
