Italian regions launch major agricultural investment funds

Italian regions Umbria and Puglia have announced significant funding initiatives to support their agricultural sectors.

In Umbria, the regional government has launched over 50 million euros in resources through six calls under the 2023-2027 Rural Development Complement. These funds target various areas, including 9 million euros for young farmers to encourage generational renewal, 8 million euros for rural road infrastructure, and 5.2 million euros for environmental protection and biodiversity. Additionally, 5 million euros are allocated for consultancy services to assist businesses.

In Puglia, a new public notice has allocated 60 million euros to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability of agricultural companies. While the Terra Viva Cisl Puglia union welcomed the investment as a vital tool to combat rising production costs and climate change, its president, Cosimo D’Elia, emphasized the need to simplify bureaucratic procedures. He noted that reducing administrative complexity is essential to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises can effectively access these funds.