The organic supply chain in Italy is increasingly HEALTHY. At the homonymous sector event in Bologna, confirmation of unstoppable growth is drawn. Cultivated areas, companies, and consumption are in excellent health. The SINAB report ‘Organic in numbers 2019 – previews’ offers useful food for thought 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 certified organic shows a substantial increase precisely in the two Regions that in recent years have recorded serious issues related to soil and water pollution. Campania and Veneto, +43% and +37% respectively. A sign of hope, so that 'the minds that think' about the environment and health ultimately prevail over those who instead pose a threat.
The growth index of agricultural areas cultivated according to the organic method 'according to law' and as such certified – also in view of access to the contributions provided by the Regional Development Plans (RDP) – is definitely milder at the national level, with an average increase of 2.6%. It is worth noting – among the Regions most involved in 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 increased to 79,046 in 2018 (+4.6%). With a geographic distribution of ‘exclusive preparers’ – whose activity is limited to processing organic raw materials – that is inverse compared to organic farmers. Thus stand out Lombardia (1,069), Emilia Romagna (1,038), and Veneto (974), in terms of number of ‘exclusive preparers’. In addition to Sicily, which leads in the agricultural sector and boasts 947 operational units solely in processing.
The short supply chain finds its fullest expression in the Southern Regions – Sicily, Calabria, Puglia – and in Tuscany. Where there are respectively 1,597, 1,199, 1,169 and 1,714 farmers also dedicated to the processing of agricultural raw materials, often with predominant use of their own productions. It is the category of producers/preparers, which represents an evolution of the shared interest between consumers – who know how to favor local supply chains – and operators. They, in the integration of the supply chain, also manage to optimize resources and thusincrease profitability. Possibly, maintaining affordable prices so that the ecological choice can be within everyone's reach.
Organic product consumption in Italy
After a growth At double-digit annual growth, until 2017, organic product consumption in Italy saw a natural decline in 2018 (+4%), and a further slowing in the first half of 2019 (+1.7%). Organic still represents 3% of food expenditure in Italy, valued at about 2.5 billion euros. It tends to align with the trend overall sector, while continuing to grow and showing a decidedly stronger market resilience. In the following table, the analysis of organic product consumption trends compared with the total.
Food expenditure in Italy, 1st half 2019/2018, Percentage changes (source SINAB, ‘Bio in Numbers 2019, Anticipations’ report)
The GDO (large organized distribution) undoubtedly plays a leading role in the growth of organic product consumption, with growth rates more than double in 2018 (+9%), almost tripled in the first half of 2019 (+5.5%). With an extraordinary peak, +20%, in the segment discount.
Trend of organic product consumption (GDO) in Italy, compared with the overall agri-food trend. Year 2019 / percentage changes (source SINAB, ‘Bio in Numbers 2019, Anticipations’ report)
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 thus, conversion to organic – as a fundamental step. To preserve the environment and biodiversity, protect populations from risks deriving from pesticide abuse, promote public health through better food.
The opportunity, for farmers, to carry out a genuine ‘green revolution’ is integrated with the values mentioned, under the banner of Respect for nature and its inhabitants but also of the economy. In a logic of systemic waste reduction, as well as cost reduction linked to the growing dependence on global monopolists of seeds and agrochemicals.
Employment and professions Connected 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 companies in the territory and 2.5 billion euros in turnover. Productions and controls, training and field assistance, research, development and other activities offer employment opportunities to several thousand technicians. Crowned by commendable courses of study 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, the great unexpressed opportunity remains. To create value and work in the territories, with ethics and sustainability. Still waiting for a law, long promised 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. Deals with certifications and quality systems in the agri-food supply chain. Collaborates with institutions and universities and is a member of the editorial staff of rivistadiagraria.org.
