‘Coltiva Italia’: final approval from the Senate – it is now law. Funding is also allocated for generational renewal, wine tourism, inspections and research

Still on the subject of olive oil, a Special National Commissioner for Xylella has been appointed; the post will have a budget of 3 million, will remain in office until 31 December 2028, and will be responsible for combating the spread of the plant disease.

Immediately following the Food Sovereignty Strategy, in order of importance, are measures to support generational renewal in agriculture. A fund of 150 million euros has been allocated to facilitate access to credit for young entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs. Of these resources, 35 per cent will be allocated to non-repayable grants and 65 per cent to the provision of loans.

These measures to promote generational renewal are further complemented by Ismea’s “Terre ai giovani” scheme, which provides 8,417 hectares of land on a free loan-for-use basis for 10 years to those under 41.

A fund of 9.2 million has been set aside to promote olive oil tourism and wine tourism.

A specific fund of 10 million euros is also earmarked for the ‘stabilisation of the wheat markets’. This will be used to finance wheat supply chain contracts through a tax credit (ranging from 20 per cent to 40 per cent depending on the contract duration of between 3 and 5 years), with a fixed price for the entire duration of the contract, in order to mitigate market fluctuations and stabilise farmers’ incomes.

Another set of measures under the Coltiva Italia programme is dedicated to research and innovation and provides for a budget of 14.5 million. These funds will enable the Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy (CREA) to recruit 50 new researchers.

Finally, one million euros has been allocated to the fight against African swine fever.