Puglia agricultural employment grows despite national decline

Agricultural employment in Puglia is growing at a rate of 4.3%, contrasting with a 3.3% decline in employment across Italy, according to data from the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics Analysis (CREA).

The impact is particularly pronounced in the province of Foggia, where agriculture accounts for over 12% of total employment, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.4% and the national average of 3.8%.

Giandiego Gatta of Forza Italia noted that while the sector remains a vital economic pillar for industries such as horticulture, industrial tomato production, and viticulture, farmers face rising costs for fertilizer, water, and energy, alongside climate uncertainty and plant diseases. Gatta also addressed the issue of 'caporalato' (illegal labor exploitation), stating it must be fought firmly while recognizing the many legitimate businesses that employ regular workers and follow regulations.