Italy: 2005 balance of Piedmont agriculture

Rome - The Italian agricultural organization CIA has presented the data (year 2005) on the agriculture of the regio Piedmont. This year has been positive for the production. Maize and corn have been cultivated on almost a 50% of the total acreage of 170K hectares, while the percentage of rice, barley and other small cereals has been about 12%.

The sugarbeet acreage has increased from 6 to 9% and the same applies to potatoes, while tomato production has decreased and veg production remained stable. The vineyards, which cover an acreage of 13K hectares, are protected by European hallmarks for a percentage of 80% nowadays. The number of the agricultural firms shows a little diminution from 12.449 to 12.287 (-1,3%) with a total of 3.300 employees.

Thanks to weather with normal rains and temperatures, the production has been abundant (particularly for grapes and beets) and with good quality. On the other hand, prices have decreased in the cereals, fruits and vebetables sectors, with consequent economical difficulties for the growers, which are worried for the next year also. CIA asks therefore the government for an aid plan, with investments on the agricultural firms.

Publication date: 22 dec 2005
Author: Rossella Gigli
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