(ANSA) - Rome, February 18 - The pro-environment 'treno verde', or green train, initiative promoted annually by Italian environmentalist group Legambiente and State railways Ferrovie dello Stato will this year be dedicated to the food-themed Expo kicking off on May 1 in Milan.
    The train left the southern city of Caltanissetta on Wednesday and will reach the northern city of Milan on April 11 after a journey across 15 cities to focus on Italy's agriculture and food through a number of initiatives, organizers said.
    The train's slogan this year will be "returning to the land to plant the future" in a "voyage through territories, their products of excellence and the role they play", said Rossella Muroni and Vittorio Cogliati Dezza, respectively director general and president of Legambiente.
    "The agriculture we will talk about on board can and must play a key role in fighting soil erosion, climate change, in re-launching the country's economy and in developing a green economy that boosts employment".
    The train will launch a 'Manifesto' for a new sustainable agriculture while Legambiente will present, together with organic food label Alce Nero, a 'Conversion project' to promote organic farming with the objective of increasing Italy's organic production to 20% from today's 9% of farmland over the next six years.
    Local producers and entrepreneurs promoting sustainable farming will also be invited on board alongside 2,000 school classes who will be able to visit an exhibit on food and agriculture in four of the train's cars.
    High school students specializing in agriculture and tourism will also be offered a taste of recipes made with organic and locally-sourced products.