Italian farmers push for diesel tax credit decree

Tommaso Battista, president of the farm confederation COPAGRI, said the agricultural sector is awaiting the inter‑ministerial decree that will set the procedures for a €90 million diesel tax credit. The credit, a 20 % rebate on diesel purchases, was originally introduced for fishing and road transport and later extended to farms after lobbying. Delays in publishing the decree risk undermining the measure, which aims to offset higher fuel costs caused by geopolitical tensions.

In parallel, Coldiretti Basilicata announced that advance payments under the EU’s PAC scheme will start in July, providing up to €1 billion to agricultural businesses. The payments cover 75‑85 % of costs for the programme’s first pillar and rural development measures, intended to alleviate the surge in diesel and fertilizer prices, as well as climate‑related damages.

Both initiatives are presented as essential liquidity support for Italian farms facing soaring production costs and market pressures.