Giampaolo Mantelli Elected President of Brescia Viticulture Center
It is Giampaolo Mantelli, newly elected Agriculture Assessor of the Province of Brescia, who will serve as the new President of the Centro Vitivinicolo Bresciano. This position is rightfully reserved, according to the bylaws of the Center, for the provincial assessor.
Mantelli, 37 years old, resident in San Gervasio, a town where he previously served as vice mayor and then mayor, as well as provincial secretary of the Ccd. The presidency is certainly not without its challenges, especially considering that at Villa Barboglio, the headquarters of the Centro Vitivinicolo, which includes a micro-winery and also hosts the Ente Vini Bresciani, work is underway to restore the upper floor of the entire building.
The initial intention of the previous Provincial Council was to transfer the Convitto della Scuola Agraria Pastori—which until a few years ago housed the Department of Agriculture along with associated entities—to that villa. This was a plan shared and supported by Giampaolo Mantelli as well.
Shortly after receiving his delegations from President Cavalli, I conducted, together with Public Works assessor Mauro Parolini, an inspection of the Villa. We confirmed that the works are in the final planning stages and will be completed within a few months, so Villa Barboglio, as decided by the previous administration, will continue to serve as the seat of the Department of Agriculture of the Province of Brescia.
Viticulture situation and future projects
Brescian viticulture, from an economic and productive point of view, was until recently considered a niche product. Today – affirms Centro Vitivinicolo Provinciale President Giampaolo Mantelli – it is no longer, especially thanks to the quantities and quality of the product.
Obviously, on one hand the Ente Vini and also the Centro Vitivinicolo must present new strategies for a sector that is continually expanding and refining. This requires attention and institutions more aligned with the current challenges and issues faced by Brescia’s wine industry today.
According to President and assessor Mantelli, in the near future it will be necessary to develop a new approach to valorizing the typical products of Brescia’s agriculture—distinct from previous methods—especially for wines, olive oil, cheeses, milk, meat, etc.
A synergy between the agri-food sector – advocates Giampaolo Mantelli – with other organizations, entities, and associations, as well as operators within the large retail sector, will be essential.
Ultimately, it will be necessary to create a supply chain that starts from the initial product and leads to processing and commercialization, fostering a synergy between the agricultural community and the cultural landscape of Brescia.
This is a goal that my department will work towards in the coming future.
