The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri‑Food initiative represents a major cross‑border collaboration engaging regions in Italy (Puglia and Molise), Albania, and Montenegro to strengthen the agri‑food sector through shared knowledge, advanced training, and strategic cooperation.

A Network of Cooperation Across the Adriatic

At its core, the ITC FOOD project focuses on building strong competence networks and promoting information exchange between public institutions and private enterprises to reinforce the agri‑food supply chain on both sides of the southern Adriatic Sea.

The partnership includes:

• The Local Action Group Sud Est Barese (Italy) as lead partner
• GAL Molise Rurale (Italy)
• The University of Bari “Aldo Moro” with the Department of Soil,
• Plant and Food Sciences (D.I.S.S.P.A.)
• The Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association (Montenegro)
• The National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) (Albania)
• Spoonbill Innovation Center (SNIC) (Albania)

Together, these organizations are working to facilitate cooperation that strengthens economic ties, enhances technical skills, and promotes sustainable development across borders.

Building a Digital Hub for Agri‑Food Training

One of the key ambitions of ITC FOOD is the development of a dedicated digital platform for the agri‑food sector. This platform will serve as a central space where farmers, producers, researchers, and institutions from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro can access:

• Training materials and educational tools
• Collaborative resources
• Networking opportunities
• Market insights and best practices

By creating this shared online hub, the project aims to improve access to advanced learning and help overcome traditional barriers that often limit innovation and competitiveness.

Cluster Formation and Cross‑Border Synergies

In addition to digital training, ITC FOOD supports the creation of local and transnational agro‑food clusters — organizational networks that bring together producers, research entities, and public bodies. These clusters are meant to:

• Serve as reference points for regional development
• Encourage knowledge exchange
• Spread innovative technologies
• Foster entrepreneurial collaboration across sectors and borders

Experts involved in the project emphasize that these structures will help unify know‑how, bridge gaps between institutions and companies, and catalyze new business opportunities throughout the region.

Innovation, Sustainability & Future‑Ready Growth

The “innovative strength” of the ITC FOOD project lies in its integration of three key dimensions:

• Competence building through education and training
• Digital transformation via a shared online platform
• Sustainable practices that support long‑term competitiveness

By addressing these areas together, the project seeks not only to modernize the agri‑food sector but also to position the South Adriatic region as a model of territorial cooperation and sustainable economic development.

With ITC FOOD, the South Adriatic is poised to turn common challenges into opportunities — creating a future where innovation, sustainability, and training work side by side to support inclusive growth.

Source: https://www.ambienteambienti.com/puglia-molise-albania-e-montenegro-insieme-per-sviluppare-il-settore-agroalimentare-video/

The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri‑Food project is a new landmark initiative promoting advanced education and cooperation in the agri‑food sector across Italy, Albania, and Montenegro. Launched in Bari, Italy, this cross‑border effort is funded through the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021‑2027 Programme and aims to strengthen shared growth and innovation in the region’s agricultural economy.

Uniting Countries for Shared Growth

ITC FOOD brings together universities, research centers, public institutions, and private enterprises from both sides of the Adriatic Sea to tackle common challenges in agri‑food production. With a central objective of fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange, the project addresses key obstacles faced by small and medium‑sized enterprises — such as limited access to advanced training, gaps in digital skills, difficulty expanding into international markets, and an ongoing ecological transition.

Advanced Training and Digital Knowledge Sharing

One of the core goals of ITC FOOD is to create learning opportunities through high‑level training courses that are both online and in‑person. These courses — developed with contributions from universities and scientific research hubs — focus on essential topics like digitalisation, circular economy, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.

At the heart of the project is the creation of a digital training platform that allows businesses in Italy, Albania, and Montenegro to access resources and connect across borders. This online hub helps standardize training opportunities and introduces new ways for enterprises to share best practices and build competencies.

Building Agri‑Food Clusters and Networks

Beyond education, the ITC FOOD initiative supports the establishment of agri‑food clusters — collaborative groupings of producers, research institutions, and public authorities. These clusters will operate locally and transnationally to serve as focal points for territorial development, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial cooperation. By facilitating shared experiences and innovation, these networks aim to strengthen the competitiveness of the entire South Adriatic agri‑food region.

Innovation at the Core

The innovative strength of ITC FOOD lies in its holistic integration of skills development, digital transformation, and sustainability goals. Rather than focusing on isolated solutions, the project tackles systemic barriers through collaborative action — making cross‑border cooperation itself a driver of change and progress.

Pasquale Redavid, President of the GAL Sud Est Barese — the lead partner in the initiative — described ITC FOOD as a true laboratory for Adriatic agri‑food innovation, leveraging years of experience in strengthening agriculture and research networks.
Source: https://www.rainews.it/tgr/puglia/articoli/2025/11/albania-e-montenegro-a-scuola-di-agroalimentare-cfa637d1-1274-410a-a17f-766f6d1b048a.html

The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri‑Food project has emerged as a powerful cross‑border initiative aimed at transforming the agri‑food industry across the South Adriatic region. Officially launched under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027, this project brings together partners from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro to enhance competitiveness, promote innovation, and foster sustainable growth throughout the agri‑food sector.

A Collaborative Framework for a Stronger Future

The project is led by the Local Action Group Sud Est Barese (Italy) and includes a diverse consortium of partners:

• University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Italy
• Gal Molise Rurale, Italy
• Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association, Montenegro
• National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), Albania
• Spoonbill Nest Innovation Center (SNIC), Albania

Together, these organizations aim to strengthen the agri‑food ecosystem by tackling shared challenges such as limited access to advanced training, gaps in digital skills, difficulties entering international markets, and uneven progress in ecological transition.

What ITC FOOD Offers

ITC FOOD combines professional education, digital innovation, and cross‑border cooperation to empower small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural and food sectors. Key elements of the project include:

Advanced Training Programs: Specialized courses delivered both online and in person, focusing on digitalization, circular economy practices, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management.
Digital Learning Platform: A centralized hub where SMEs from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro can access training, exchange resources, and connect with industry peers.
Knowledge Exchange: Workshops, study visits, and seminars that facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovative solutions across regions.
Cluster Development: Formation of local and transnational agri‑food clusters that bring together producers, researchers, and public institutions to drive innovation and competitiveness.
A Model for Regional Integration and Sustainable Growth

By integrating training, digital tools, and collaborative networks, ITC FOOD is laying the foundation for a more resilient and forward‑looking agri‑food industry in the South Adriatic. Its vision transcends national boundaries, creating a cooperative framework that supports economic development and unlocks new market opportunities for SMEs.

Events such as the official kick‑off meeting in Bari — which included delegation exchanges between Italian, Albanian, and Montenegrin stakeholders, as well as company visits — demonstrated the project’s focus on hands‑on learning and practical collaboration.

Looking Ahead

With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, the ITC FOOD project exemplifies how cross‑border cooperation can be a catalyst for growth in the agri‑food sector. As training programs expand and the digital platform becomes fully operational, SMEs across the region will be better equipped to compete in global markets and adapt to future challenges.

Source: https://www.telebari.it/attualita/233631-dalla-puglia-al-montenegro-per-promuovere-lagroalimentare-itc-food-punta-alla-formazione-avanzata-video.html

The ITC FOOD – Innovative Training and Competences in Agri-Food project (SA-03000372) has officially started as a cross-border initiative funded by the European Union under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027, with implementation running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2027.

The project’s main objective is to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector, enhance cross-border cooperation between Italy, Albania and Montenegro, and support sustainable growth and digital transformation in a rapidly evolving market environment.

With a total budget of €931,910.96, including €765,566.92 in EU co-financing, ITC FOOD represents a major regional investment in innovation, skills development, and long-term economic resilience.

The project is coordinated by Local Action Group Sud-Est Barese Scarl (Italy) as Lead Partner and implemented together with the National Agency for Employment and Skills – AKPA (Albania), the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), Spoonbill Nest Innovation Center (Albania), the Regional Development Agency – Ulcinj Business Association (Montenegro), and Local Action Group Molise Rurale Scarl (Italy).

ITC FOOD will deliver a comprehensive set of actions designed to modernize and connect agri-food businesses across borders, including specialized training modules on innovative agri-food practices, digital tools, and sustainable business models; the development of a digital platform for online learning, resource sharing, and SME networking; cross-border workshops, study visits and seminars to exchange knowledge and best practices; pilot projects and demonstration initiatives such as productive districts and a cross-border production consortium; and the creation of local and transnational clusters to stimulate innovation and long-term cooperation.

By combining professional training, digitalization and structured international collaboration, ITC FOOD aims to create a stronger, more innovative and competitive agri-food ecosystem throughout the South Adriatic region, supporting SMEs in accessing new opportunities and sustainable growth pathways.