Italy passes Coltiva Italia bill, earmarking €1 billion for agriculture and farm worker housing

The Italian Chamber of Deputies approved the Coltiva Italia bill, allocating more than €1 billion to strengthen domestic agriculture. The funding targets olive‑oil production, cereals and bovine livestock, with roughly €300 million earmarked for each sector and a €970 million food‑sovereignty strategy.

The legislation also creates a €150 million rural‑housing plan to provide dignified accommodation for seasonal migrant farm workers, aiming to curb caporalato. The plan will convert unused public buildings such as former barracks and slaughterhouses into legal housing, with implementation expected from early 2027 after the necessary decrees are issued.

The measure enjoys support from the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, and agricultural organisations including Coldiretti and the European Farmers’ Confederation (Confeuro). Regional authorities in Puglia, Veneto, Lombardy and other areas have welcomed the initiative as a step toward greater food sovereignty and improved working conditions in the sector.