A first and important opportunity for discussion
The conference organised and promoted by the Italian Hunting Federation, dedicated to theagrivoltaic and its effects on the rural landscape, agricultural activity, biodiversity, and hunting. This initiative was strongly supported by Federcaccia and, as National President Massimo Buconi noted in his opening remarks, represents "an initial and important opportunity for discussion on a topic that concerns everyone. The push toward green and organic farming is a positive development, but attention must be paid to the contradictions generated by agricultural land use and the risks to biodiversity." Hence the sincere appreciation for the institutions present, highlighting the open and diverse approach that characterized the day. The keynote address was given by Michele Bottazzo of Federcaccia's Studies and Research Office, who outlined a precise technical and scientific framework on the impacts and main critical issues related to the spread of agrivoltaic systems. Bottazzo also highlighted how "steppe species are among the most affected by habitat alterations induced by photovoltaic surfaces" and recalled that "to limit environmental impact, the systems could and should be primarily located in urban, industrial, or degraded areas, avoiding natural grassland and grazing areas, to preserve habitats and biodiversity."
The reflections made
The topic of protecting the agricultural landscape was explored in depth by Stefano Masini, head of Coldiretti's Environment and Territory Department, who appreciated the Federation's decision to address the issue from a cross-cutting perspective. "Congratulations to Federcaccia for having initiated a reflection that is not only technical, but also agricultural, environmental, and economic," stated Masini. "The quality of our environment is the same that underpins Italian production, and it cannot be compromised." Maurizio Conticelli of the Friends of the Earth Association took a more critical stance, recalling past experiences, noting that "The uncontrolled expansion of renewables has already caused environmental and landscape damage. We cannot repeat the same mistakes." Michele Munafò, head of ISPRA's Integrated Soil Monitoring and Analysis Department, offered an objective picture of land consumption, noting that this phenomenon is not solely dependent on agrivoltaics, but that this technology contributes to an already accelerating trend. "Our latest report highlights a significant increase in net land use," he explained. "Non-agricultural land with the potential to accommodate new photovoltaic systems exists in our country and represents potential worth considering."
Call to the territories
Angelo Radica, President of the Cities of Wine and Mayor of Tollo, in the province of Chieti, made a reference to local areas and their distinctive production. "The areas that thrive on viticulture—and more generally on quality agriculture—must be listened to in evaluations," he stated in his speech. "Involving municipalities would help in many ways, including better understanding local sensitivities." The regulatory framework was addressed by Stefania Crotta, Director General of the MASE's General Directorate for Financial Programs and Incentives (PIF), supported by Laura Bastoni, who emphasized the issue of planning: "The transition between eligible and non-eligible areas requires planning. With the latest decree, agricultural areas have been strongly protected, but we need to work together with the Regions to properly plan the next regulatory, authorization, and implementation phases of the new requirements." The Hon. Raffaele Nevi (FI), Secretary of the Agriculture Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, emphasized the need to reconcile European objectives with local realities. "We must achieve the objectives agreed with the European Union, but carefully evaluate the practical environmental and agricultural implications," he declared. "With this initiative, Federcaccia once again demonstrates its great capacity for thorough analysis, which must be properly followed up."
Agricultural sector
Hon. Stefano Vaccari (PD), also a member of the 13th Commission, raised the issue of institutional coordination. "We don't understand why the latest draft of the decree wasn't discussed at the State-Regions Conference," he stated, lamenting the lack of involvement of opposition political forces in the preliminary discussion phase. "Without clarity, we risk divergent interpretations that complicate the implementation of the law. The objectives of renewables must certainly be protected, but so must those of our country's agricultural, wildlife, and environmental sectors." The conference highlighted a point shared by all participants: the energy transition is an essential objective, but it can only be considered truly sustainable if it is implemented with respect for the land, its landscapes, and the communities that inhabit them. Federcaccia renews its commitment to ensuring that this process does not result in the loss of agricultural land, the alteration of biodiversity, or the compromise of rural activities—agriculture and hunting—which have always constituted the heart, wealth, and identity of our rural environment (source: Federcaccia).
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