Farmers who grow rice are bidding farewell to Tonino Finassi, the esteemed leader in the field of agriculture
In the heart of Italy's Piedmont region, renowned for its rice cultivation, the agricultural community mourns the loss of a true luminary. Antonio Finassi, an agronomist and rice expert based in Vercelli, passed away at the age of 93.
Born in Balzola in 1931, Finassi's journey in agriculture began early. His straightforward and decisive manner left no room for time-wasting, as he dedicated his life to improving agricultural practices, particularly in the field of rice farming.
Throughout his career, Finassi became a luminary in the field of applied rice research. He was a member of prestigious societies such as the American Society of Agricultural Engineering, the Italian Society of Agronomy, the Turin Academy of Agriculture, and the corresponding academic of the Georgofili Academy of Florence. His international collaborations extended to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and foreign universities.
Finassi was not just a scholar but also a teacher, undertaking numerous missions abroad to teach populations in difficult areas the techniques to improve their crops. In his home city of Vercelli, he served as the president of the Association of Agricultural and Forestry Doctors. His experimental trials in agricultural fields in farming businesses further cemented his status as a pioneer in the field.
The Borgogna Museum in Vercelli will preserve Finassi's teachings and his ability to read the landscape through their works of art. The rosary for Finassi will be held tomorrow (Friday 18) at 5:30 PM in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, followed by his funeral on Saturday at 9:00 AM in the Duomo. Finassi is survived by his wife Rina, daughter Michela, son-in-law Alberto Parolo, and grandchildren Leonardo and Francesco.
Finassi's contributions to agriculture, particularly rice farming in the Piedmont region, will not be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of agronomists and researchers, ensuring his impact on the field lives on.
In his dedication to improving agricultural practices, particularly in the field of rice farming, Finassi's work expanded beyond Italy, collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and foreign universities, demonstrating his contributions in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise sectors as well. As a luminary in the field of applied rice research, his legacy in science, not just agriculture, will continue to inspire future generations.
