Acceleration on the agro-energy chapter of the NRP to pursue the objectives of ecological transition but – above all – to offer new opportunities to companies struggling with the boom in energy costs. But also – and always in a Pnrr key – supply chain and district contracts to strengthen the competitiveness of the made in Italy agri-food sector and, above all, new solutions being studied for the dairy livestock sector, perhaps the most exposed to the flare-up of production costs.
The Minister for Agricultural Policies, Stefano Patuanelli is in the desert of the Arab Emirates to promote agritech made in Italy at Expo Dubai (he will participate this morning in the workshop at the Italian Pavilion of Crea, Council for agricultural research and analysis of agricultural economics) but also to learn methods and technologies on the efficient use of water in the fields and on agricultural production in extreme conditions. «The goal is to exchange knowledge – explains Minister Patuanelli -. How we live climate change on our skin also in these parts are confronted with the need to ensure production continuity for agriculture in adverse weather conditions. With the pandemic, every corner of the planet has realized the importance of having a certain amount of food sovereignty. That is to be able to produce on their own a good part of what is needed for their food needs. In the Arab Emirates they cultivate mainly in greenhouses and with the technology of hydroponic agriculture, that is, in pots. We can offer our expertise on these issues while we have to learn about the efficient use of water resources and the ability to reuse water already used in irrigation. Fortunately, in Italy we are not yet deserted but we also have serious drought problems in Italy ».
Minister, several sectors of Italian agriculture are suffering from the surge in energy costs.
The time has come for an acceleration on agro-energy. We want to publish the announcement before March 31, or the deadline, for investments in the agricultural park with a budget of 1.5 billion euros. Photovoltaic panels are expected to be installed for a total area of 4.3 million square meters and 0.43 GW of power. We knew that the opportunities opened by the NRP would be important but investments in agro-energy are becoming even more urgent after the escalation of costs.
The other important chapter is that of biogas-biomethane, much awaited by the livestock supply chain often accused precisely for its environmental sustainability.