Italian agricultural groups advocate for domestic wheat in pasta production

Italian agricultural organizations and political figures are intensifying discussions regarding the importance of domestic durum wheat for the pasta industry. CIA-Agricoltori Italiani has expressed support for a campaign by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (Masaf) to promote 'Made in Italy' products. The association emphasizes that prioritizing national raw materials supports cereal farmers, local territories, and the transformation industry.

Central to the debate are issues of price remuneration for farmers, increased traceability, and stricter controls on imported grain. While some industry figures argue that pasta quality is not solely dependent on the origin of the grain, agricultural groups maintain that domestic wheat is vital for both food security and the economic value of the supply chain.

In the Mottola region of Taranto, local political representatives from Forza Italia have proposed developing a complete local grain supply chain, from cultivation to pasta production. This initiative aims to prevent the loss of value that occurs when local grain is exported for processing elsewhere, addressing the current lack of industrial pasta factories in the province.