The problem is adding value to the agricultural production, not producing more as, "if production increases, then we die due to the low prices," explained Angelo Frascarelli, professor at the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Perugia, during the Green Farm Innovation conference.
Professor Frascarelli in an archive photo
"Many entrepreneurs are against the Green Deal because they are scared of certain objectives such as the 50% reduction in crop protection products, 20% reduction in fertilizers and reaching a percentage of organic crops of at least 25%. However, their fear is caused by their lack of knowledge or partial knowledge of things."
According to the professor, ideas, knowledge and projects are needed before funds. "We need to raise the bar, and Italy has an advantage compared to other nations. We can stand out only by aiming high. We are not and will never be competitive when it comes to prices. We need to see the positive side also from experiences such as Covid-19: for example, consumers require more certainties regarding the origin of what they eat."
Consumers decide what they eat, the Green Deal follows what consumers require and they are increasingly asking for high quality products obtained respecting the environment and placed in eco-friendly packaging.
"Growers have no alternative - either they are sustainable or they are finished. Will they continue to make a profit? Of course, but only those who follow innovation and knowledge."