Italy approves budget measures for agriculture, fishing, and elderly healthcare

The Italian government has approved a multi-year budget scheme for 2027-2029, introducing significant financial support for several key sectors. In agriculture, the government is allocating approximately 1 billion euros to reduce excise duties on agricultural diesel. Additionally, 160 million euros are earmarked for 'Agriculture 4.0' to promote digitalization and precision farming through tax credits. The fishing sector will also receive structural support, including access to the wage guarantee fund (Cassa Integrazione).

To support the olive oil industry, ISMEA has launched the ‘Cambiale Frantoi Oleari’, a 40 million euro zero-interest loan program. This initiative provides liquidity to small and medium-sized olive oil mills, with financing limits of up to 50,000 euros for agricultural mills and 300,000 euros for agro-industrial mills.

In the healthcare sector, the government has allocated 1.6 billion euros to support elderly care. This includes a 300-euro voucher for individuals over 75 with an annual pension below 28,000 euros to help cover medical expenses not covered by the national health service. Regional authorities, such as those in Liguria, are coordinating these funds to bolster home assistance and telemedicine services.