Good afternoon to all. 

I want to thank Minister Francesco Lollobrigida for this initiative, and Ambassador Inigo Lambertini for hosting in the splendid setting of this Residence, the 'House of Italians' in London. I want to very much thank James Cleverly, Foreign Secretary, for being here today and for his fantastic words. My greetings go to the participants in this morning's workshop and to all the British guests who accepted the invitation to this reception that celebrates the strong friendship between Italy and the United Kingdom.

Our nations are traditionally linked by a broad convergence of interests and values, strong economic and industrial partnerships, and close cultural and civil society relations - fostered also by the existence of a large resident community. We also mentioned this in the meeting I had yesterday afternoon with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. We talked about a new phase of bilateral cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will guide our relations for the coming years. There is full agreement on the common objectives and on the path that Italy and the United Kingdom can take together to further strengthen an already solid bond.

The UK is a key partner for Italy in a number of cross-cutting sectors for economic and industrial cooperation: from energy to environmental sustainability and innovation. The work done today by our respective companies in the agri-food sector, which is traditionally one of the strong points of our bilateral relationship, is emblematic. Yet, both nations are aware that there is an untapped potential that we can still exploit considering the extraordinary work carried out by our trade associations that have supported the Ministry of Agriculture in today's meetings. I would also like to thank the Foreign Trade Institute led by President Matteo Zoppas for the valuable work done every day.

Italian agri-food is high quality, that my Government is strongly protecting and promoting through the international markets. Quality production and values that are identified in the traditions, methods, and territories of our nation. All elements that make 'Made in Italy' agri-food products a strategic asset of our economy and a key element of our know-how at international level.  

We are only at the beginning of our work, but we have already introduced several significant measures in these first six months of government: from decontribution for young farmers to the fund for technological innovation, from the extension of vouchers to the support for new agricultural entrepreneurs. Not to mention the work we are doing to strengthen the fight against counterfeiting and imitation of Italian agri-food products, which cost billions of euros in lost sales every year and implies a lower product quality. 

This is a common battle for both Italian producers and consumers all over the world. There is also a need to tackle structural and long-term challenges, including climate change and investing in innovation. Tradition and innovation have always been the key ingredients of the Italian agri-food know how.

The Italian agri-food system is strong and healthy, exceeding 60 billion Euro in exports in 2022, but we can achieve even higher goals, starting from the relationship between Italy and the United Kingdom. 

Agribusiness is a pillar of the Italian system. A strong 'teamwork' between the public and private sector, between institutions, trade associations, entrepreneurs and workers of the area, in order to be even stronger and more ambitious.

In a week’s time the coronation of Charles III will be celebrated. We know how much he appreciates the Italian landscape: a landscape also made by generations of farmers. A heritage we are proud of. 

Economy, culture, beauty, taste, health: five words that make one nation: Italy!
I am sure that we will be able to successfully work together! 
We can make the difference! 
You can always count on me!
Let’s roll up our sleeves!

Grazie a tutti.