Km0 fruit and vegetables and other local agri-food products are among the products put in crisis by the Covid-19 emergency. Generally distributed through farmers' or local markets, the crops of direct farmers, very often organic, remain outside the currently operational food distribution circuit. A harmful exclusion for producers and consumers, denounces the Italian Rural Association (ARI), which asks the government for concrete support to avoid the ruin of a sector essential to the local economy and the environment, much appreciated by citizens. It is useful for maintaining a diet useful for strengthening the immune system.
Reopen farmers' markets
La closing of the markets farmers was ordered by municipalities to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. However, ARI underlines, these restrictive measures go beyond the dictates of the Dpcm 11.3.20, which leaves the food markets open.
'In order to counter and to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following measures are adopted throughout the country: Retail commercial activities are suspended, except for the sale of food and basic necessities identified in Annex 1, both in the neighborhood commercial businesses, and in the medium and large-scale distribution, also included in the shopping centers, provided that access is allowed only to the aforementioned activities. The markets are closed, regardless of the type of activity carried out, except for activities aimed at the sale of foodstuffs only. Newsstands, tobacconists, pharmacies, parapharmacies remain open. In any case, an interpersonal safety distance of one meter must be guaranteed‘, Prime Ministerial Decree 11.3.2020.
The precautionary measures in the markets
The same measures safety measures adopted in supermarkets and shops specifically authorized for opening can be adopted in farmers' markets.
Risk reduction contagion can be implemented by controlling the flow of patrons and maintaining the appropriate provisions:
- interpersonal distance at least one meter,
- use of devices individual protection (gloves e masks),
- disinfection environment and work tools.
The resilience of farmers
When the emergency ends 'it will not be the "injections of liquidity" that will determine the recovery, but the capacity, the will, the resistance and the productive autonomy of farmers, artisans, small and medium-sized companies operating locally, the real backbone of the national economy . Only if in the meantime they are not definitively annihilated', declares the farmers' association.
The 'Cura Italia' decreeIn fact, allocates resources for the export of Italian agri-food. However, ARI points out, 'it neglects an essential component of Italian agriculture: more than one million direct-farming companies in which more than one million and six hundred thousand people work'. And while providing appreciable protections for agricultural workers (Art. 22; Art. 30; Art. 32), in the Measures in favor of the agricultural and fishing sector (art. very large size that does not represent either the agricultural production structure or the actual ability to supply food in a widespread and decentralized way as much as necessary in this dramatic emergency '.
'Cura Italia' decree, the requests of ARI
ARI makes precise requests to the Prime Minister and local authorities, asking for a specific commitment on some points:
- Territorial purchase obligation. For hospitals, barracks and other communities, as well as for their suppliers of raw materials and processed foods, encourage and prioritize the purchase of food and agricultural products for fresh consumption from farms in the territories, on the basis, exceptionally, on simplified calls. And in compliance with the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) established by the EU directive on the 'Green Public Procurement'(GPP, green purchases), implemented in Italy in the Procurement Code (Legislative Decree 50/16, art. 34).
- Retail. We ask to notify the Mayors, through the Prefectures, of the opportunity to keep open and reorganize the food markets in the square, with the necessary measures in terms of controlled and quota entrances. Door-to-door deliveries should also be encouraged by allowing the collective distribution of foodstuffs delivered by different producers, as a temporary derogation from the current provisions.
- Supply to large retailers. Allowing simplified sales, on a territorial basis and on an exceptional basis, to large-scale distribution channels, notwithstanding the voluntary certifications (eg. ISO EN 9001) generally requested by supermarkets and industries.
- Prices to producers. Growing pressure from unsold production is expected in the coming months. In order to avoid abuses by speculation or dominant position, it is necessary to effectively control the prices paid to producers and those charged to consumption, for food and agricultural products.
- Seasonal work. Positive admission to the redundancy fund for agricultural workers, including seasonal workers. However, any initiative that delays the granting of residence permits is wrong and counterproductive.
- PAC (Common agricultural policy). Anticipating the payment of the full balance of the CAP 2019, initially scheduled for June 2020. With the Agricultural Assistance Centers closed, it is also necessary for farmers to have direct access to the procedures for submitting CAP 2020 applications (I and II pillar) and to allow requests for an advance (subject to adjustment).
- Corporate debt. Implement a specific intervention for exposures of less than € 50.000 to help the many small and medium-sized farms with significant debt exposures.
- Agritourisms and agriristori. In supporting tourist-hotel activities, priority should be given to small agritourism businesses (maximum 15 beds and 30 seats).
- Support the request to ANCI to keep municipal agricultural markets open.
Great Italian Food Trade (GIFT) e Égalité Onlus adhere and support the position expressed by Assorurale, recalling the essential value of peasant eco-agriculture for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the UN Agenda 2030.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
A professional journalist since January 1995, she has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic studies on food and has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".
