Agribusiness

Dear Fertilisers, Lollobrigida: 136 million in aid for farmers

The 45 million in funding comes from the EU crisis reserve, to which a further 91 million in national funds has been added. The aid is being paid to farmers in the form of per-hectare payments, with no red tape involved

by Giorgio dell'Orefice

16 September 2026

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2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

One-third of the budget comes from EU resources and the rest from national funds
The funding will cover up to 50 per cent of the increased costs of fertilisers
Masaf: affecting 547,000 farmers
Wheat, rice, maize, olive oil and sugar beet take centre stage
Lollobrigida: measures to offset soaring costs

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The decree from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry has been given the go-ahead, putting in place an extraordinary scheme worth 136 million euros to compensate farmers grappling with soaring fertiliser costs.

The measure (see *Il Sole 24 Ore* of 1 September) implements the extraordinary measures provided for by the European Union to support agricultural businesses affected by the rise in production costs caused by the crisis in the Middle East.

One-third of the budget comes from EU resources and the rest from national funds

The measure, in fact, makes a total of over 136 million euros available. Of this budget, over 45 million euros have been allocated to Italia from the European Agricultural Crisis Reserve, whilst a further 91 million euros come from national resources.

The funding will cover up to 50 per cent of the increased costs of fertilisers

These funds will make it possible to offset 50 per cent of the increases in fertiliser costs for the crops most affected by the rise in prices and characterised by higher fertiliser use.

Masaf: affecting 547,000 farmers

According to MASAF, the scheme is intended for over 547,000 Italian farmers and will be paid out without any further red tape, with the funds credited directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts (in the form of aid per hectare).

Wheat, rice, maize, olive oil and sugar beet take centre stage

The crops most affected include, first and foremost, the cereal sector – wheat, rice, maize, olive oil, hazelnuts, sugar beet and rapeseed – as well as other crops with significant fertiliser requirements.

Lollobrigida: measures to offset soaring costs

“Whilst others engage in idle chatter, the Meloni Government is delivering on its plans by supporting the agricultural sector,” commented the Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida . The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has led to a rise in the prices of certain products needed to ensure farmers can continue to produce, including fertilisers. There has been a very significant increase. We approached the European Commission, explained that action was needed, and secured over 45 million euros. However, we did not consider these funds sufficient, so we asked our colleague Giorgetti to provide a further 91 million euros.”

This initiative forms part of the measures put in place to support the agricultural sector in the face of the difficulties caused by the international situation.

“This is a measure,” added Lollobrigida, “which will be followed by others, because we have never stopped paying close attention to the difficulties faced by the agricultural sectors. We are awaiting the ‘Coltiva Italia’ initiative, which will plan and guarantee funding for all sectors of Italian agricultural production, because we believe that agriculture truly comes first.”