The Global Methane Pledge was launched by the EU and the US with the aim to cut 30 % of methane (CH4) emissions by 2030. Livestock systems are major contributors to CH4 emissions. This study assesses a combined tax and subsidy policy tool applied at the farm level that would allow to reach the 30% reduction target for livestock CH4. The simulation is applied to the Italian commercial livestock farms as represented by the Farm Accountancy Data Network. Findings could be used to help policymakers understand the diversified impacts of the target on farms and evaluate possible compensation they could provide for a more just transition.

This study evaluates whether financial support for organic farming under the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) effectively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture. Using data from a panel of Italian farms between 2015 and 2022, we examine both the private benefits (farm income) and societal outcomes (GHG emission reductions) associated with the adoption of organic practices. To account for differences in farm-level responses, we develop an analytical framework of farmers' decision-making and apply causal machine learning techniques that allow for heterogeneous treatment effects. Our findings reveal that while many farmers benefit economically from adopting organic farming, the impact in terms of GHG abatement is often limited. These results raise concerns about the overall effectiveness and efficiency of current CAP support and suggest directions for improving policy design.

This study examines the European Union's (EU) policy response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, which has affected trade with Russia and Ukraine across various sectors. The research employs a constrained nonlinear programming model, based on a multi-regional input-output table of the Italian economy, to compute and analyse direct and indirect impacts, particularly in the agri-food sector. Alternative policy responses, including deeper EU-Ukraine integration and further trade collapse, are simulated to validate the results. The findings suggest a minor overall impact on the agri-food sector, especially in Southern Italy, unless extreme measures are implemented. The evidence challenges protectionist calls and highlight the need for targeted, data-driven policy interventions to support the most vulnerable areas and enhance long-term resilience. (c) 2025 The Society for Policy Modeling. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Understanding how seasonal weather anomalies brought by climate change impact on agricultural productivity is fundamental to food security. To allow proper site- and season-specific policy responses, micro-level assessments are needed. This study uses a panel data econometric approach to assess the impact of weather anomalies on Italian farms' total factor productivity (TFP) over the period 2008-2020 using micro-level data. Estimates point to a complex TFP-weather relationship. Results confirm that seasonal weather anomalies have a negative effect on agricultural performance of different farm typologies. Effects tend to be larger the larger the weather anomalies.

This study reviews and compares the financial mechanisms required to support verifiable agricultural soil carbon stocks under the European Green Deal. It examines monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for soil carbon removals and emission reduction through carbon farming (CF) projects, exploring how financial mechanisms can be designed to support rigorous measurement while ensuring economic viability for land managers. The review identifies a central accuracy–cost paradox: while result-based MRV systems require high-precision monitoring for credibility, they increase implementation costs that create barriers to farmer participation. Upfront financial burdens and deferred rewards make result-based mechanisms alone insufficient to drive adoption. A policy mix involving public, private, and civic resources is essential for mitigating CF project implementation costs and managing risks related to regulatory additionality. For example, the findings indicate that result-based CF projects will likely need complementary support, including publicly funded CF advisory services that reduce participation barriers by addressing farmers’ information gaps associated with MRV. Collective monitoring arrangements distribute fixed MRV costs and improve economic viability for small-scale farmers, though institutional conditions for equitable aggregation require clarification. Blended financing combining public budgets, private markets, advisory support, and cost pooling addresses the accuracy–cost paradox more effectively than single-instrument policies. The findings demonstrate that effective soil carbon sequestration requires realigned governance structures that explicitly integrate MRV financing into CF project design. This enables the agricultural sector to scale up carbon removal and advance SDG13 (Climate Action) and European climate neutrality targets.

In response to growing concerns about plastic pollution and the need for sustainable alternatives, this study investigates how Italian consumers perceive and engage with single-use plastic packaging in the food sector. Using data collected from 2,269 respondents through an online survey, the research examines how sociodemographic characteristics shape motivations, behaviors, and support for regulatory interventions. Results show that 74% of respondents are strongly motivated to reduce single-use plastics, and 81% consider the environmental impacts to be highly relevant. Women, older individuals, those with higher education, and respondents in better economic conditions display significantly higher pro-environmental engagement, including more frequent purchasing of nonplastic packaging and stronger support for regulation. In contrast, Generation Z consistently emerges as the least engaged group, reporting lower motivation, weaker support for policy measures, and the lowest willingness to pay for biodegradable alternatives. These insights highlight the need for differentiated policies and communication strategies that consider the diversity of consumer profiles. Overall, these findings provide actionable evidence for developing targeted policy tools to reduce plastic use in the agri-food sector.

PurposeDespite the growing research on cultured meat, the psychological factors influencing consumer behaviour are still underexplored. This study investigates how anticipated social identification, openness to other cultures and locavorism shape behavioural intentions toward cultured meat. The findings aim to inform strategies for promoting alternative proteins, especially in contexts where food identity plays a key role.Design/methodology/approachIn December 2023, we fielded a nationwide online survey to a quota-representative sample of 800 Italians (age, gender, region) recruited via a professional market-research panel, in line with ESOMAR standards. The questionnaire measured attitudes toward cultured meat and examined how social identification, openness to other cultures and locavorism relate to willingness to try (WTT), to eat regularly and to substitute conventional meat.FindingsAnticipated social identification with prospective cultured-meat consumers positively influences three behavioural intentions: WTT, willingness to consume regularly and willingness to substitute farmed meat with cultured meat. Openness to other cultures is positively associated with the willingness to consume cultured meat regularly. In contrast, locavorism does not significantly influence behavioural intentions, suggesting that local food preferences may not conflict with the acceptance of cultured meat.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature by jointly testing anticipated social identification, locavorism and openness to other cultures, rarely examined together, in a meat-centric setting (Italy, 2023 ban). We find stage-differentiated effects across WTT, eat regularly and substitute, clarifying psychological pathways to acceptance. The results provide actionable guidance for policy and practice and a basis for future research on food identity and innovation.

In early 2025, the European Union launched a new phase of dialogue on the future of agricultural and food policies, aiming to move beyond the sustainability-centred narratives of the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. The initiative, grounded in the “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture” and the Commission’s communication “A Vision for Agriculture and Food,” reframes the role of agriculture within a broader geopolitical and socio-economic context. The Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy (CREA) and the Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA) convened a study day to examine the relevance and the implications of the EU’s Vision for Italy. This paper presents a synthesis of the discussions and reflections, structured along four thematic pillars: economic, environmental, social, and institutional sustainability. The analysis highlights the structural weaknesses of Italian agriculture, the need for circular and diversified agricultural systems, the integration of agroecological and climate resilience strategies, the need for generational and social renewal, and the necessity for political reflection on the adequacy of the Italian agricultural policy governance system. By capturing the perspectives of researchers and practitioners, the paper contributes to the national debate on reshaping EU agricultural policy beyond 2027..

The surge of global plastic production has led to the rise of microplastics that have contaminated primary terrestrial ecosystems and various food sources, including bottled water. This study explores consumers’ perceptions of microplastic contamination in bottled water and assesses their willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical “microplastic-free” label. Data were collected from a sample of 344 Italian consumers using an online questionnaire and analysed with a single-bounded dichotomous choice method to determine respondents’ purchase intentions for a 1.5-litre water bottle with a hypothetical microplastic-free label. Surveyed participants were given the choice between a standard water bottle priced at €0.42 and a water bottle labelled microplastic-free priced randomly between €0.43 and €2.00. A probit model was used to analyse factors that influence the respondents’ WTP. The results of the study indicate that consumers prefer microplastic-free water, which is reflected in their WTP a premium price for such a product. A positive correlation was found between the WTP and the awareness of the microplastic issue, consumers’ pro-environmental attitudes and their concerns about potential negative health effects associated with microplastic ingestion. However, consumers remain price sensitive, and a higher price negatively impacts the WTP. This study contributes to the economic literature by describing implications for marketing strategies, manufacturing practices, and policy design.

Digital agriculture technologies represent a solution for improving productivity levels and environmental sustainability, thanks to data with great potential. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of adoption and diffusion of digital farming technologies is crucial. Notably multiple factors are responsible for farmers’ technology adoption rate. The objective of this paper is to analyze the barriers to technology adoption and drivers of diffusion for a group of Italian stakeholders by using qualitative research methods. Results identify many barriers to technology adoption and point out that cooperation between stakeholders, along with collaborative efforts through technical support and training activities are key strategies.

This study investigates Italian consumers' perceptions and preferences regarding cultured versus traditional meat. Two distinct consumer groups emerged: conservative consumers, who resist novel foods and are largely unwilling to buy cultured meat, and younger, more open-minded consumers, who prioritize environmental and animal welfare concerns and are more inclined to purchase cultured meat. Logistic regression analysis indicates that food neophobia, technophobia, and concerns about cultured meat's impact on rural economies negatively influence the likelihood of purchasing cultured meat. Conversely, awareness of the meat industry's environmental issues positively correlates with the likelihood of opting for cultured meat products.

Cultured meat is produced in vitro, and it is presented as a method able to reduce the controversial effect of farmed meat, on the environment and animal welfare. To speed up the shift to sustainable food systems with such innovation, it is necessary to analyze consumer preferences and attitudes towards this novel food. Attention should be paid specifically to the relevant role of consumers’ political affiliation, risk attitudes, and perceptions of cultured meat, as compared to farmed meat, on consumers’ acceptance of this novel food. This study investigates these aspects using a representative sample of the Italian population in terms of gender, age, and region, and a balance across education levels. Data collection was conducted via a digital platform in December 2023. The sample included 800 participants. The data were analyzed using an ordered logistic regression model, with marginal effects reported for clarity. Results show that as the level of acceptance increases, consumers’ preferences depend heavily on their’ perceptions of cultured meat as compared to farmed meat. Our research offers valuable insights into consumers’ views related to cultured meat. Additionally, it provides practical guidance to promote cultured meat using an evidence-based strategy.

In early 2025, the European Union launched a new phase of dialogue on the future of agricultural and food policies, aiming to move beyond the sustainability-centred narratives of the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy. The initiative, grounded in the "Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EUAgriculture" and the Commission's communication "A Vision for Agriculture and Food," reframes the role of agriculture within a broader geopolitical and socio-economic context. The Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of the Agricultural Economy and the Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics convened a study day to examine the relevance and the implications of the EU's Vision for Italy. This paper presents a synthesis of the discussions and reflections, structured along four thematic pillars: economic, environmental, social, and institutional sustainability. The analysis highlights the structural weaknesses of Italian agriculture, the need for circular and diversified agricultural systems, the integration of agroecological and climate resilience strategies with competitiveness, the need for generational and social renewal, and the necessity for political reflection on the adequacy of the Italian agricultural policy governance system. By capturing the perspectives of researchers and academics, the paper contributes to the national debate on reshaping EU agricultural policy beyond 2027.

The exploitation of natural resources from livestock farming would decrease if conventional protein sources in animal diets were partially replaced with insects through a circular economy approach. However, consumers’ acceptance of novel insect-fed (IF) animal products is key to the final success of such products. This study analyses consumers’ willingness to buy IF poultry meat and eggs using the results from an online survey of 780 Italian consumers. Overall, our results show a positive attitude of Italian consumers surveyed towards IF animal products. Moreover, we find that food neophobia and entomophobia negatively affect Italian consumers’ attitude towards those products, while the trust in the role of public authorities in ensuring food safety positively impacts on it. Also, consumers' propensity towards sustainable food increases the likelihood of buying IF animal products.

Methane (CH4) emissions from cattle farms have been prioritised on the EU agenda, as shown by recent legislative initiatives. This study employs a supply-side agroeconomic model that mimics the behaviour of heterogeneous individual farms to simulate the application of alternative economic policy instruments to curb CH4 emissions from Italian cattle farms, as identified by the 2020 Farm Accountancy Data Network survey. Simulations consider increasing levels of a tax on each tonne of CH4 emitted or of a subsidy paid for each tonne of CH4 curbed with respect to the baseline. Individual marginal abatement costs are also derived. Besides, to consider possible technological options to curb emissions, a mitigation strategy is simulated, with different levels of costs and benefits to appraise the potential impacts on the sector. Relevant reductions in operating income are foreseen, the most substantial in farm types and size classes characterised by lower levels of carbon productivity. The introduction of the mitigation strategy shows that the outcome in terms of mitigation potential, without undermining production level, highly depends on the implementation costs, but can also vary widely due to heterogeneous farms' economic performances. Policy implications are also derived.

This study evaluates the extent to which farmers respond heterogeneously to the agri- environmental policies implemented in the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Our identification and estimation strategy combines a theory- driven research design formalizing all possible sources of heterogeneity with a Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm. Results from a 2015-2018 panel of Italian farms show that the responsiveness to these policies may differ substantially across farms and farm groups. This suggests room for improvement in implementing these policies. We also argue that the specific features of the CAP call for a careful implementation of these empirical techniques. (JEL Q15, Q51)

This paper looks for empirical support to the existence of a positive nexus between economic and environmental performance in farming as implied by the Sustainable Intensification hypothesis. As the ecological scale at which this nexus actually occurs is unobservable, the paper juxtaposes its estimation at three spatial scales, the farm level and two regional levels. Starting with a common theoretical background, the paper estimates a dynamic spatial panel model on these alternative scales. Identification issues (granularity, aggregation bias and spatial dependence) may generate significantly discrepant estimates eventually questioning the reliability of these results. The empirical study investigates the relationship between total factor productivity, greenhouse gas emissions and crop diversity using a 2008–2018 panel of Italian farms. Results show that the productivity-environment nexus changes and may even revert its sign when passing from farm-level to aggregate data. The implications of these results for evidence-based policy making are discussed.

Food security and environmental sustainability are joint global challenges that require to be solved together. A complex policy framework is needed to tackle this conundrum as policy coherence (PC) is fundamental but extremely challenging. This analysis, after stressing the importance of solving jointly the challenges of producing enough food to feed a growing population while preserving the climate and the environment, discusses some issues related to the PC approach that should be followed. Within and between coherence problems are assessed and discussed and governance problems related to the PC approach are presented. Key points for a likely approach to PC include goal-based governance grounded on the analytical analysis of synergies and trade-offs.

CONTEXTBoth long-term climate trend and interannual climate variability are projected to affect agricultural activities. Actually, major changes in climate patterns have already occurred, affecting crop yields and livestock productivity.OBJECTIVEThis study aims to assess the effects of both interannual temperature and precipitation variability and long-term climate trend on the land productivity of Italian farms. Italy represents an interesting example, as the country is largely affected by the effects of climate change and climate variability, and its agricultural sector shows heterogeneous conditions, including climatic, topographical and socio-economic features.METHODSThe methodological approach considers the effects on land productivity of a set of farm structural and economic characteristics and climate-related variables, by considering farm-level data. A dynamic panel model is estimated via System Generalized Method-of-Moments using a constant panel of 2051 farms observed over the period from 2008 to 2017. Data are extracted from the Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSResults suggest that when coming to farm-level data and addressing the changes in the climate in both the long and the medium term, a negative impact is found on LP because of higher temperatures in the colder seasons and in spring, and because of larger spring cumulative rainfall. On the opposite, wetter summers seem to positively impact LP. As regards Mediterranean regions only a positive impact of larger spring cumulative rainfall is found. Besides, managerial and structural farms' characteristics seem to play a major role in influencing farm performance.SIGNIFICANCEThis study represents a first attempt in the direction of estimating the impact of climate change on farms' land productivity, by using micro-data to prevent aggregation biases and controlling for both managerial and structural farms' characteristics.