Calabria faces agricultural crisis and labor‑exploitation scandal

The olive‑oil sector in southern Italy is in deep distress. Prices have fallen to about €4.50 kg, roughly 30 % below May levels, leaving producers with unsold stock and severe liquidity problems. Agricultural organisations and the sub‑secretary for agriculture have called for urgent credit support, de‑minimis storage aid, reduced social‑security charges and stronger controls on imports.

At the same time, four migrant farm workers were burned to death in Amendolara, sparking accusations that the regional government knew for years about poor housing, exploitation and caporalato in the area. Regional councilor Giuseppe Falcomatà (PD) demanded answers from President Roberto Occhiuto and Agriculture Minister Gianluca Gallo on the use of funds earmarked in 2020 to improve housing, transport and health services for seasonal workers.

The regional council is preparing a special session on caporalato, with the president and the agriculture commission planning hearings. The UIL of Calabria has asked to be heard before the commission to propose concrete actions, while the council president has scheduled a debate in the assembly. In parallel, the regions of Calabria and Puglia have presented proposals to the Conference of the Regions, urging immediate financial liquidity through PAC‑advance mechanisms and tighter traceability throughout the olive‑oil supply chain.

Regional agriculture minister Gianluca Gallo has met with producers to stress the need for rapid, coordinated measures, including better storage, price support and dialogue with large retailers to restore market confidence.