A VITAL ORDER, WITH A SOCIAL UTILITY FUNCTION

“The peculiarity of our profession is that, despite a whole century having passed, it has been able to adapt to the needs of each period.”
With this statement, Mauro Uniformi, President of CONAF, kicked off the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Order of Agronomists and Foresters, presenting the numbers: almost 20,000 members, a number that has been steadily growing in recent years and is especially attractive to the new generations.
A profession that, for a century, has demonstrated its social utility and universality, which makes it profoundly relevant as it operates in rural, environmental, economic, and social fields.

“Practicing as an agronomist and forester means going beyond mere technical skills to initiate a comprehensive assessment of ecosystemic problems, eventually embracing social responsibility as a guarantor of health, landscape, and territory.” – said Mauro Uniformi, President of CONAF. “We have reached this point by evolving over decades, throughout this century of life.
Initially, the ‘new’ issues in the agro-food, landscape, bio-economic, forestry, and zootechnical fields gained increasing importance. Later, efforts were made to enhance the guarantees for the services of independent professionals through continuous professional development, ensuring ongoing professional updates aligned with technological innovations and social sensitivity. This included the introduction of mandatory insurance policies, more transparent management of disciplinary actions, and the establishment of professional societies.”

The morning continued with institutional greetings from Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment, and Waste Cycle of the Municipality of Rome, and Giancarlo Righini, Councillor for Economic Planning, Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Hunting and Fishing, Parks and Forests of the Lazio Region.
Representing the Prime Minister’s Office, Luigi D’Eramo, Undersecretary of MASAF, engaged with the audience in an inspiring speech.
At the end of the greetings, Monsignor Fernando Chica Arellano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See at the FAO, IFAD, and WFP, announced the establishment of the Agro-Environmental Jubilee, scheduled for November 5, 2025. On the same day, the 19th Congress of Agronomists and Foresters will open.

A VITAL ORDER
The data show a growing order, attractive to young people and professionals, significantly lowering the average age.
“New members join their more experienced colleagues, bringing driving force and openness to innovation: it is a vital contribution, embodying a modern vision where university education is combined with the use of emerging technologies, such as precision agriculture and scenarios created with artificial intelligence. We are attractive because we represent a modern profession capable of meeting society’s evolving needs.”

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF LIFE
On November 30, 2024, the 100th anniversary of the first official definition of the agronomist and forester professions was celebrated.
By the will of King Vittorio Emanuele III, under Article 6 of Royal Decree No. 2172, on November 30, 1924, the professions of agronomist and forest expert were included among those requiring a state exam, a prerequisite for the establishment of the professional order system.