Agri-food, fruit and vegetables: less and less Made in Italy!

The Crisis of National Production

The production of raw materials such as agri-food, fruit and vegetables is increasingly replaced by imports. Foreign products are preferred due to their lower cost, making it uneconomical for Italian farmers to continue production. This phenomenon not only damages the local economy, but puts the sustainability of Italian agriculture at risk.

The Implications of Made in Italy Certification

Made in Italy certification, designed to guarantee the quality and origin of Italian products, no longer seems to be an effective deterrent. Many companies purchase raw materials abroad, process them in Italy or, in some cases, simply change the label, selling them as Italian products. This behavior is encouraged by the lower cost of foreign raw materials, even within the European Union.

The Price Paradox

Italian agri-food products are renowned throughout the world for their quality, but their price is often higher than foreign competitors. This makes it difficult for Italian manufacturers to compete on the global market. The solution, therefore, cannot simply lie in reducing costs, but must involve a rethinking of the system of certification and promotion of Made in Italy.

A New Path for Made in Italy

To safeguard the Italian agri-food heritage, it is necessary to implement rigorous certification that guarantees that the products are grown and processed exclusively in Italy. This certification must be supported by stringent controls and greater transparency along the entire production chain.

Benefits of an Authentic Certification

1. Enhancement of the Territory : Going back to cultivating the 11 million hectares now abandoned would help revitalize local economies and preserve the Italian agricultural landscape.
2. Guaranteed Quality : A 100% Made in Italy certified product ensures consumers superior quality, deriving from Italian traditions and skills.
3. Justified Price : An authentic product can justify a higher price, supported by the guarantee of its origin and quality. This would allow Italian farmers to obtain fair remuneration for their work.

Conclusion

The future of Made in Italy in agri-food depends on our ability to innovate and protect the quality that has made us famous throughout the world. Implementing an authentic and rigorous certification is the first step to safeguard our national production and ensure that Made in Italy continues to be synonymous with excellence. Only in this way will we be able to guarantee a sustainable future for our agriculture and our producers.