On the occasion of the 117th edition of Fieragricola–Veronafiere, Nomisma conducted a study entitled "Full innovation: Italian agriculture between production and consumers."The objective of analyzing the role of innovation in Italian agriculture was approached from two perspectives.
On the one hand , agricultural enterprises, as a strategic development factor in addressing major current and future challenges, from climate change to market changes.
On the other hand, that of consumers , and in particular of how innovation is perceived (in terms of importance, role, function) for agricultural and food production, both from a current and prospective perspective.
The study highlighted the competitive positioning of our agriculture , which represents a unique feature in Europe.
Nomisma researchers have highlighted that, despite a strong fragmentation of the entrepreneurial fabric (which does not allow, among other things, cost efficiencies resulting from economies of scale typical of large companies such as those in France or Germany) and presenting a lower production level than France and Germany (72 billion euros compared to 90 and 76 billion respectively), it leads in terms of added value produced (average 2024/2025 equal to over 41 billion euros, compared to 32 for France and Germany).
A primacy that is clearly evident from the ability of companies to valorise the main production factor .
This valorization stems from the ability of Italian companies to have been able to combine quality and diversification with primary production .
This ability of the agri-food industry to generate wealth for the country finds few analogies in Europe, but it presents areas for improvement , particularly in terms of labor productivity, where we are in a lower position than other competitors such as the Netherlands, Germany, and even France.
Productivity is precisely an area where innovation can play a key role in improving company performance.
Problems and challenges
Among other challenges jeopardizing the viability and economic competitiveness of agricultural businesses, the Nomisma study highlights global warming, increased sustainability demands from both agri-food regulations and consumers, and geopolitical tensions that are making agricultural product prices increasingly volatile.When discussing the continuity and competitiveness of agricultural businesses, we must not forget the issue of generational turnover, which can have positive or negative connotations with respect to innovation.
On the one hand, in fact, companies run by young people show a greater degree of computerization and adoption of innovative technologies , on the other hand the size (land and economic) which in many cases still represents an obstacle to the full adoption and diffusion of new technologies.
Consumers
On the consumer front, the survey shows that nearly 9 out of 10 Italians believe that scientific and technological development improves people's quality of life.Agriculture, after essential areas such as healthcare and education, represents one of the sectors in which Italians feel the greatest need for innovation to safeguard humanity's future.
In light of this, food is an increasingly strategic area in which to innovate: the availability and quality of food are, in fact, a priority for 27% of Italians, while 1/3 of Italians prefer agri-food production obtained from companies that invest in innovation .
Furthermore, a food product made by innovative companies generates added value for the consumer, primarily in terms of safety and sustainability in all its aspects: from the protection of farmers, the environment, animal welfare, and biodiversity. (Source: (https://www.alimentinews.it/ )