From Lombardy Region 61 million for agri-environmental investments

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New Lombardy Region notice for the agricultural sector. The Region will finance with 61 million euro agricultural investments related to environment, climate and animal welfare. Of these, 21 million are earmarked for the pig sector. The measure is part of the 2023-2027 CAP and is activated with the call for proposals open from 27 November 2024 to 30 April 2025. The actions financed include investments to rationalise agricultural production processes and reduce emissions of climate-changing gases (methane and nitrous oxide) and air pollutants (ammonia), as well as to increase carbon sequestration. For example, manure storage covers and storage bag systems will be financed, as well as measures to improve water quality, sustainably manage plant protection products and preserve soil fertility and structure. These include the purchase of equipment such as biobeds to prevent point source pollution. It is an 'intervention that represents a pillar of our policies for a modern, sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture,' explained the Lombardy Regional Councillor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Alessandro Beduschi.

On the livestock-farming front, interventions to make them more sustainable will also be financed, with improvements in animal housing conditions and the adoption of precision technologies to increase the welfare and biosecurity of livestock farms. Interventions are also planned to ensure adequate space, enrichment materials and natural light. "We have chosen to direct a significant part of the resources to a sector that has been facing challenges related to swine fever for more than a year, giving the possibility, also through this call for proposals, to invest in all the actions that can contribute to strengthening the biosecurity of livestock farms," specified Beduschi. In detail, of the EUR 40 million earmarked for sectors other than pig farming, EUR 27 million are for lowland farms and EUR 13 million for mountain farms. The measure will be granted as a capital contribution, covering up to 60% of expenditure for non-disadvantaged areas (70% for young farmers) and up to 70% for mountain areas (80% for young farmers).

Also with regard to agriculture, the Lombardy Region will finance 1,053 farms that have applied for agri-environmental measures under the CAP 2023-2027 with around EUR 11 million. "The results of this call for proposals confirm our commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural management. We have achieved important objectives in terms of protecting water and soil quality, safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing the agricultural landscape. Significant progress has also been made in the conservation of animal breeds at risk of extinction or genetic erosion," added Councillor Beduschi.