Italian Agriculture Minister defends farmers after journalist's critical remarks

Journalist Stefano Feltri has sparked controversy following remarks made on the La7 program ‘In Onda’, where he criticized the agricultural sector. Feltri characterized farmers as ‘polluters’ who receive significant subsidies and suggested that the sector is largely ineffective, referring to them as ‘four remaining farmers who go out in the streets with tractors’.

Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida responded to the comments, defending farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen as ‘custodians of the environment’ and essential to preventing the abandonment of rural territories. Lollobrigida criticized the remarks as propaganda and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the primary sector.

Fernando Monfeli, president of the Asta association, also condemned the statements as an ‘offense to the dignity’ of agricultural workers. Monfeli argued that European subsidies, such as those from the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC), are necessary to ensure food accessibility, stabilize consumer prices, and offset high costs related to energy, fertilizers, and environmental protection.