The organic supply chain in Italy is increasingly HEALTHY. At the homonymous sector event in Bologna, confirmation of unstoppable growth is obtained. Cultivated areas, companies and consumption are in great health. The SINAB report ‘Organic in figures 2019 – previews’ offers useful points of reflection on the path to follow to add value to society and the economy.
Organic in Italy, areas and crops
The share of Agricultural Area Utilized Agricultural Area (UAA) and organic certified shows a substantial increase precisely in the two Regions that in recent years have recorded serious critical issues related to soil and water pollution. Campania and Veneto, +43% and +37% respectively. A sign of hope, so that 'thinking heads' for the environment and health ultimately prevail over those who threaten them.
The growth index of agricultural areas cultivated according to organic method ‘according to the law’ and as such certified – also with a view to accessing the subsidies provided by the Regional Development Plans (RDP) – is decidedly lower at the national level, with an average increase of 2.6%. It is also useful to note – among the Regions most committed to organic conversion – one of the leading players in Italian agri-food production, Emilia-Romagna (+15.5%).
Overall, 15.5% Romagna (155,331) and Lazio (140,556).
Organic Made in Italy, the operators
The number of operators Certified organic operators rose to 79,046 in 2018 (+4.6%). With a geographic distribution of 'exclusive preparers' – whose activity is limited to the processing of organic raw materials – which is inverse compared to that of organic farmers. Leading are Lombardy (1,069), Emilia Romagna (1,038), and Veneto (974), in terms of the number of 'exclusive preparers'. Besides Sicily, which excels on the agricultural front and boasts 947 operational units in processing alone.
The short supply chain it finds its maximum expression in the Southern Regions – Sicily, Calabria, Apulia – and in Tuscany. Where there are respectively 1,597, 1,199, 1,169 and 1,714 farmers also engaged in the processing of raw agricultural materials, often predominantly using their own production. It is the category of producers/preparers, which expresses an evolution of the shared interest between consumers – who know how to prioritize zero-kilometer supply chains – and operators. These, in the integration of the supply chain, are also able to optimize resources and thusincrease profitability. Possibly, maintaining affordable prices so that the ecological choice can be within everyone's reach.
Consumption of organic products in Italy
After a growth At double digits annually, until 2017, organic product consumption in Italy registered a natural decline in 2018 (+4%), and a further slowdown in the first half of 2019 (+1.7%). Organic still represents 3% of food expenditure in Italy, worth about 2.5 billion euros. And it tends to align with the trend overall sector, while continuing to grow and showing a decidedly stronger market hold. In the following table, the analysis of organic product consumption trends, compared with the total.
Food expenditure in Italy, 1st semester 2019/2018, Percentage variations (source SINAB, report ‘Bio in numbers 2019, Previews’)
The GDO (large organized distribution) undoubtedly plays a leading role in the growth of organic product consumption, with growth rates more than doubled in 2018 (+9%), almost tripled in the first half of 2019 (+5.5%). With an extraordinary peak, +20%, in the discount.
Trend of organic product consumption (GDO) in Italy, compared with the overall agri-food trend. Year 2019 / percentage variations (source SINAB, report ‘Bio in numbers 2019, Previews’)
Values and opportunities, employment and professionalism
The values promoted by GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade) and Égalité Onlus are part of a sustainable development vision that considers agroecology – and therefore, conversion to organic farming – as a fundamental step. To preserve the environment and biodiversity, protect populations from risks arising from pesticide abuse, promote public health through better food.
The opportunity, for farmers, to carry forward a genuine ‘green revolution’ integrates with the mentioned values, embracing respect for nature and its inhabitants as well as the economy. In a logic of systemic waste reduction, as well as cost reduction related to the growing dependence on global monopolists of seeds and agrotoxics.
Employment and professions connections to agroecology then find fertile ground in a sector that excels at the European level, also in terms of added value, and is still growing. With almost 2 million hectares of UAA, 79 thousand enterprises in the territory, and 2.5 billion euros in turnover. Production and controls, training and field assistance, research, development and other activities offer employment opportunities to various thousands of technicians. Crowning commendable study paths in agronomy and biology, food technology and engineering in a country that still producesmore degrees than jobs relevant to them.
Peasant agriculture, in this regard, remains the great unexpressed opportunity. To create value and jobs in the territories, with ethics and sustainability. Still waiting for a law, long promised but so far in vain.
Dario Dongo and Donato Ferrucci
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT – Food Times) and Égalité.
Agronomist, master in food law. He deals with certifications and quality systems in the agri-food chain. Collaborates with institutions and universities and is a member of the editorial staff of rivistadiagraria.org.
