News Briefs
One of Italy’s largest agricultural operations, Bonifiche Ferraresi, has signed a new multi-million Euro investment agreement with a wide network of agricultural organizations associated with the Consorzi Agrari d’Italia (CAI).
As part of the partnership, Bonifiche Ferraresi has agreed to inject €170 million ($200 million) of capital into the CAI. The goal is to help small farmers and producers retain bargaining power and production autonomy in a business environment increasingly controlled by large multinationals.
See Also:Olive Oil Business News“Seventy-five percent of the agrochemicals market and 63 percent of the seed market are controlled by just three global corporations,” said Ettore Prandini, president of the major Italian farmers association, Coldiretti. “That means Italy must reinforce the Agricultural Consortia network, the only weapon farmers have to retain their bargaining power.”
The idea of the partnership is to fund a network of know-how and services, which will be available to hundreds of thousands of farmers spread across Italy.
“It can enhance the development and the competitiveness of Italian agriculture in a scenario dominated by the overwhelming power of the corporations,” Coldiretti said. “A power that endangers both food sovereignty and biodiversity in the different countries.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more cooperation among the small producers of the Italian agricultural sector.
“The global emergency caused by the coronavirus has brought a new understanding of the strategic value of the food chain and its need for safety and certified quality, but it has also highlighted its fragilities,” Prandini said.
“We need a whole national plan to defend the food chain and not to depend on imports in moments of such international distress.”
Prandini added that the new partnership would extend to all corners of the country’s agricultural sector.
“The new reality extends its operations, from technological innovation to supply chain contracts, from agro-energy to gardening, from the supply of technical means to the protection of seeds at risk of extinction,” he said.
More articles on: agriculture, Coldiretti, Italy
Feb. 22, 2024
Italian Farmers, Producers Confirm Production Rebound
Olive oil production for the 2023/24 crop year was bolstered by strong harvests in the south.
Jul. 20, 2024
Umbria Blazes the Trail of Year-Round Oleotourism
Traditionally confined to the harvest season, producers, restaurateurs and tourism officials in Umbria are working to turn extra virgin olive oil into a year-round attraction.
Mar. 14, 2024
Authorities in Puglia Confirm Culprit in Olive Tree Devastation
Officials rebuffed a recent study that implied Xylella fastidiosa was not mainly responsible for the millions of ravaged trees.
Mar. 13, 2024
The Rise of Cycling in Italian Olive Groves
In Umbria and Lazio, farms and sport groups organize bike tours in the olive groves, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery and taste local olive products.
Mar. 21, 2024
New Law in Italy Incentivizes Young People to Become Farmers
The legislation includes favorable tax rates for young people starting businesses, along with grants to buy land and equipment.
Sep. 26, 2023
How Monovarietal Olive Oils Promote Ecological Farming, Safeguard Landscapes
Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.
Jan. 3, 2024
Tuscany Announces Funds to Prevent Olive Grove Abandonment
The measures are meant to encourage growers to take care of abandoned olive trees in difficult terrains and maintain them to prevent wildfire and pest development
May. 27, 2024
Improved Water Efficiency Paramount to Future of California Farmers, Officials Say
Growers will need to save more water and use less as the state will likely become drier in the long term.