Not just a source of income
Protecting farmers' incomes, promoting local production, and protecting the land and the environment. These are the main pillars of the policy document that the president of CIA VenetoGianmichele Passarini presented the award this morning to presidential candidate Alberto Stefani at a meeting held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Padua. "67.000 active businesses in the region, an annual turnover of nearly €8 billion, and agri-food production among the most significant in Italy and Europe," CIA Veneto emphasized. "The primary sector is not only a source of income, but also plays an increasingly crucial role in protecting the territory and ensuring food security for citizens." Veneto, therefore, is an agricultural region of excellence: from its world-renowned wine production to its dairy, fruit and vegetable, and grain supply chains, all the way to the mountainous and inland areas that keep the rural fabric alive and combat depopulation.
Forward-looking planning
"A heritage that unites economy, culture, landscape, and tradition," Passarini himself observed. "Foresighted planning is needed to address the challenges of the future." First and foremost, the issue of water, a vital resource for agriculture. A regional plan is needed that includes investments in large and small reservoirs, detention and phytoremediation, the establishment of a regional water budget, and the strengthening of land reclamation consortia as integrated management entities. Furthermore, the new Regional Council must urge Parliament to pass a national law against land consumption, promoting the reuse of already concreted areas. Regarding the energy transition, photovoltaic systems must be installed on roofs, warehouses, outbuildings, yards, or marginal, non-cultivable areas; suitable areas must also be carefully mapped, avoiding the occupation of valuable agricultural land and sites of historical, artistic, or landscape value.
Women in agriculture
Regarding generational turnover: Cia Veneto calls for a further increase in resources earmarked for initial settlement, thus giving young people the opportunity to start a farm. This includes effective support for female entrepreneurship, including the adoption of regional legislation dedicated to supporting women's access and growth in the agricultural sector. A permanent office within the Department of Agriculture should also be established, dedicated to promoting policies for women in agriculture. Wildlife is a priority; we must move beyond the rationale of mere protection and toward active management, adopting a single regional legislation, harmonized with national best practices. A special plan for the containment of the brown marmorated stink bug and other pests should also be implemented.
Extraordinary regional fund
It is essential to establish a regional organization aimed at promoting the dozens of Veneto PDO, DOC, and PGI products, while inland and mountainous areas require essential services, also to maintain competitiveness. A maintenance program for rural and forest roads and the strengthening of the digital and telephone network are strategic, enabling the use of mandatory tools such as POS terminals and managing administrative procedures online. The need to streamline the bureaucratic system is emphasized (almost a third of working days are dedicated to handling administrative procedures); the establishment of a regional technical committee for administrative simplification in agriculture, with the participation of trade organizations, is appropriate. Finally, the establishment of a special regional fund to support fishing and aquaculture businesses affected by natural and biological disasters (for example, the blue crab outbreak) is crucial.
Pac and transfers
"Veneto agriculture is a driver of development," Passarini continued. "Our requests must be addressed by the next regional administration, regardless of its political affiliation, so that the sector continues to grow for the benefit of communities." Many unknowns remain in the background. Above all, the prospect of a 30% linear cut in transfers from the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) for 2028-2034. "Providing even less funding for the primary sector, which, in addition to food production, is at the forefront of protecting the land and landscape, is a definitive knockout blow," concludes the president of Cia Veneto.
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