It ended this morning at the Royal Palace of Naples ‘Campania Mater – 24 hours for agriculture’, an important event with comparisons, analyses and events that brought together experts, institutions and stakeholders to outline the strategies of the Campania agri-food sector.
The meeting was an opportunity to present and discuss the Campania Mater Report, a volume of around 400 pages that captures the current state of regional agri-food, its challenges and opportunities.
The report, published by Rural Hack, has been cured by theMinister for Agriculture of the Campania Region, Nicola Caputo, with the scientific coordination of the Professor Teresa del Giudice (University of Naples Federico II) and the Professor Alex Giordano (University Giustino Fortunato and University Federico II of Naples).
The research, elaborated by theNomisma Research Institute, has been analyzed in 9 thematic tables which involved more than 150 experts, including researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs and trade representatives. The result is a picture that intertwines natural resources, technological innovation, climate change, global markets and territorial resilience.
SOIL AND WATER: RESOURCES TO PROTECT
The working table coordinated by Raffaella Pergamo (CREA – Rete Rurale Nazionale, Masaf) and Fabio Terribile (University of Naples Federico II), addressed the crucial issue of soil and water management, with the contribution of Giuseppe Castaldi, Amedeo D’Antonio, Flora Della Valle, Angelo Basile, Michele Buonomo, Caterina Capri, Fabrizio Cembalo, Generoso De Simone, Antonio Di Gennaro, Massimo Fagnano, Antonio P. Leone, Veronica Manganiello, Angelo Marciano, Michele Munafò, Giovanni Quaranta and Vincenzo Michele Sellitto.
A worrying picture emerged from the discussion: at national level the 47th% soil is in poor health, compromised by erosion, loss of organic carbon, compaction, salinisation and pollution. Campania ranks third in Italy for land use, with 143 000 hectares already compromised (11% of the territory). The only province of Naples concentrates more than a third of the areas consumed (34,9%), followed by Caserta and Salerno. The population density – 408 inhabitants per km2, more than double the Italian average – exacerbates the pressure, generating irreversible changes in the territory over the last twenty years.
Another problem concerns the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones: 316 thousand hectares (23% of the regional area) are classified at risk, coinciding with the 72% with agricultural areas and for the82% with the buffalo population. Almost half of the citizens of Campania (48%) lives in these areas, where the presence of nitrates in soils and waters puts environmental sustainability and public health at risk.
The water picture confirms fragility: in Italy are registered More and more episodes of record water deficits, with values above 300 (2003, 2017 and 2022), the highest since 1951.
AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE: ADAPTATION STRATEGY
The working table coordinated by Fabian Capitanio (Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University) and Francesco Pennacchio (Department of Agriculture, Federico II University) has instead deepened the relationship between agriculture and climate change, with the contribution of Daniela Carella, Giovanni Padovano, Eliana Paladino, Flavia Grazia Tropiano, Daniele Caceffo, Pietro Caggiano, Francesco Castelluccio, Giuseppe Ceparano, Vincenzo Cerone, Donato De Marco, Stefania De Pascale, Giuseppe Iovane, Albino Maggio, Vincenzo Patella and Rossella Robusto.
The work showed that Campania is in a European and global context marked by a Obvious warming: in Italy the average temperature in the decade 2014-2023 was 1.3°C higher than in 1974-1983. In parallel, between 2015 and 2023, the Average annual number of extreme events in Europe increased by 221%, with direct effects on crop stability and agricultural supply chains.
The water deficit represents a crucial node: in years such as 2003, 2017 and 2022, the missing volumes exceeded 300; the highest levels since 1951. In 2023, the annual index stood at 223.9 (against a historical average of 326.3), confirming the trend towards increasing scarcity, which mainly affects areas without efficient irrigation systems.
In this scenario, Campania’s agriculture is called upon to strengthen adaptation strategies, focusing on more sustainable water management, crop diversification and resilient techniques capable of reducing the now structural climate risk.
ZERO WASTE: REDUCTION AND VALORIZATION
The working table coordinated by Andrea Segrè (University of Bologna) addressed the issue of food waste and the enhancement of resources, with the contribution of Giuseppe Rosario Mazzeo, Enrico Amico, Valentina Carfora, Giorgio Casagranda, Paolo Conte, Guido Coppola, Emilio Ferrara, Matteo Morvillo, Simona Pelliccia, Raffaele Sacchi, Giovanna Sangiuolo, Amedeo Valestra and Fabio Verneau.
The research distinguished between food loss (losses in production and processing) and food waste (waste in distribution and consumption). Globally, the 13th was lost in 2022.% Food in the Primary Stage and the 19th% in the final stages. In Europe, Italy records 139 kg of waste per capita per year (EU average: 129 kg), with a particularly domestic incidence (53%), followed by catering (12%) and manufacture (18%).
The picture of Campania is particularly critical: in 2023, 46 remained in the camps% fresh fruit, the 21st% Vegetables in the greenhouse and the 17th% of those in the open air. It is a significant economic loss for agricultural enterprises and a lack of value for supply chains. Household waste confirms the trend: Every Italian family throws away an average of 618 grams of food per week., with a increase of 16% compared to 2021.
The most affected products are fresh fruit (24 g per week), bread (21 g) and vegetables (20 g). In Campania, where families spend an average of €552 per month on food and beverages (compared to 481 national ones), Reducing waste becomes a strategic priority. Targeted interventions in logistics, surplus processing and consumer awareness can strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness and social responsibility of the regional agri-food system.
RURAL COMMUNITIES AND RESILIENT TERRITORIES
The working table coordinated by Teresa Del Giudice (Department of Agriculture, Federico II University) addressed the theme of rural communities and resilient territories, with the contribution of Katja Aversano, Ferdinando Gandolfi, Marcello Murino, Veronica Barbati, Angelo Barone, Valerio Calabrese, Davide Della Porta, Roberta Garibaldi, Gennaro Granata, Francesco Nardone, Teresa Panico, Gaetano Pascariello, Margherita Rizzuto, Eligio Troisi and Italy Valentino.
The analysis showed that: progressive depopulation of inland and rural areas: between 2019 and 2024 Campania has lost an average of 4.% of the population, with tips of -5,8% Naples and -5.1% in Benevento, while Salerno and Avellino recorded declines around 3%. This reduces the vitality of rural communities. the availability of agricultural labour and the maintenance of services in small municipalities.
From an economic point of view, the Average income per taxpayer is 16,834 euros, well below the national average (more than 20,000), limiting the investment capacity of rural households. Land use also confirms critical issues: Between 2010 and 2020, the UAA decreased by 10 %.%, with marked drops in the hills (-15,4%) and in the plain (-11,9%). The abandonment of agricultural land results in landscape degradation and loss of economic value, but at the same time points to the need for targeted policies to enhance inland areas.
The resilience of the territories, stressed the participants, depends on the ability to unite social cohesion, environmental sustainability and economic innovation, supporting farms, short supply chains and community-based services to tackle depopulation and open up new prospects for local development.
DOP ECONOMY AND MADE IN CAMPANIA: IDENTITY, QUALITY AND GLOBAL MARKETS
The working table coordinated by Chiara Giovoni (marketing and communication expert) focused on DOP Economy and Made in Campania: identity, quality and global markets, with the participation of Claudio Ansanelli, Luciano D’Aponte, Emiddio De Franciscis Di Casanova, Addolorata Ruocco, Ettore Bellelli, Salvatore Ciardiello, Gianluca Compare, Giuseppe Di Martino, Stefano Di Marzo, Carmine Fusco, Giovanni Giugliano, Gennaro Masiello, Angela Pisacane, Giovanni Rago, Maria Manuela Russo, Floriana Schiano Moriello and Salvatore Schiavone.
Research has highlighted the Extraordinary growth in Campania's agri-food exports, which in 2024 has reached the €5.7 billion, with an increase in 111% compared to 2014 and 63.8% compared to 2019. The Campania thus ranks fifth in Italy value of exports.
The tow comes mainly from processed food products (87% of the total), while agriculture accounts for 12% and drinks for 1%. In particular, processed fruit and vegetables stand out (37%), baked goods and farinaceous products (17%) and dairy (10%), confirming the strength of the supply chains linked to designations of origin and typical products.
Geographically, Campania’s exports are divided between EU markets (45%) and extra-EU (55%). The The United States remains the world's largest market (16%), followed by United Kingdom and Germany (12% each) and from France (7%). Performance in emerging markets such as Austria, Spain and the Netherlands was also positive, strengthening the Campanian presence in Europe.
The regional agri-food trade balance shows a positive balance of EUR 1.5 billion, It is driven by processed food, while the agricultural sector still has a deficit. Overall, the Campania confirms its competitive model based on territorial identity, certified quality and PDO and PGI labels, key elements to support exports and strengthen the reputation of ‘Made in Campania’ globally.
THE BLUE ECONOMY
The table on the economy of the sea was coordinated by Giovanni Fulvio Russo (Professor of Ecology – University of Naples Parthenope) and attended by Maurizio Cinque, Teodolinda Toderico, Aniello Anastasio, Teresa Di Nardo, Fabio Di Nocera, Carmine Farnetano, Maurizio Giordano, Fulvio Giugliano, Giuseppe Greco, Danilo Guida, Giuseppe Palma, Valentina Stinga and Yari Vecchio.
The discussion focused on the link between the sea and agri-food, recognising the role of theBlue economy as a strategic component for the development of Campania. The region has a fishing fleet of 1,021 vessels, equal to8,6% of the national total, characterised by vessels that are on average lighter (8 tonnes compared to 12 national ones) and less powerful (59.5 kW compared to 78 kW in Italy).
These characteristics confirm a fleet oriented Especially coastal fishing., which in 2023 produced 5,001 tonnes of fish valued at EUR 37.3 million, by placing the Campania in ninth place in Italy both in quantity and value.
The main techniques used are purse seine (41.1).%) and the train with the rapids (22,2%), which together account for more than half of the catches and have a significant impact on the value of production.
Although smaller than in other regions, the Campania fish sector represents a significant piece of the agri-food system, providing opportunities for economic diversification, enhancement of local supply chains and integration with sustainable development strategies of coastal territories.
FOOD AND HEALTH
The table dedicated to the relationship between food and health was coordinated by Mauro Minelli (Physician, Specialist in Clinical Immunology and Allergology – Coordinator South Italy, Foundation for Personalised Medicine) and was attended by Gianni Ruggiero, Giovanni Silenzio, Giorgia Borriello, Margherita Ceparano, Angelo Corallo, Giovanni Feola, Massimiliano Gervasi, Antonio Limone, Dominga Maio, Annamaria Mastrantuono, Ludovico Montebianco Abenavoli, Marina Reale, Ilaria Vergallo and Marianna Visone.
The discussion highlighted how food consumption, lifestyles and production methods directly affect the well-being of the population. Between 2014 and 2023, household expenditure on bread, cereals, fruit and vegetables It has only grown in current values, but In real terms, it has declined.: in 2023, expenditure on fruit was 23,3 % lower% compared to 2014, while for vegetables the decrease was 4.9%. On the contrary, Expenditure on oils and fats increased by 30.8% in real values, indicating a Changes in buying habits.
Also for products of animal origin (meat, fish, milk and dairy products) current expenditure has increased, but In constant terms, a contraction is observed.: the meat, for example, marks a -9,8% in the decade. In contrast, organic farming grew strongly from 21 000 hectares in 2014 to 103 000 hectares in 2023 (20% of the regional UAA, in line with the national average), together with the expansion of certified integrated production (SQNPI), which in Campania exceeds 100 thousand hectares, equal to 14% national areas, with a particular impact on vines, olive trees and citrus fruits.
In terms of public health, Italy has a lower obesity rate than the European average (10,5% against 16% in 2019), but in Campania and the Mezzogiorno there are critical issues linked to overweight and obesity, with direct effects on health spending and community well-being.
The research points out that the enhancement of the Mediterranean Diet, the dissemination of sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion of certified productions are crucial levers for combining the competitiveness of the agri-food sector and improving the quality of life of citizens.
INNOVATION AND KNOWLEDGE FOR AGRICULTURE
The table dedicated to innovation and knowledge for agriculture was coordinated by prof. Alex Giordano, current Coordinator of the thematic group "Innovation, AKIS, New Entrepreneurship and Digitalisation" within the Committee for New Agricultural Programming (CNPA) of the Campania Region. Participants Ferdinando Gandolfi, Giuseppe Malferà, Domenico Carputo, Giuseppe Cilento, Umberto Comentale, Enrica De Falco, Davide De Nicolò, Annalisa Gramigna, Angelo Marino, Concetta Menna, Michele Nunziata Rega, Rosa Pepe, Andrea Ricciardiello, Melania Carmela Santarcangelo, Antonio Santoro and Anna Vagnozzi.
The analysis showed that human capital is a determining factor for the competitiveness of the regional agricultural sector. According to Nomisma data from 2020, More than 60% of farmers in Campania had a qualification not higher than the average license, while Only the 9th% He was a graduate, slightly below the national average (12%). This training gap limits the introduction of innovations and the adoption of advanced technological tools.
A positive sign comes from continuing education.: the 29th% of the conductors has attended at least one refresher course, with Highest Values in Naples (31%) e Lowest in Salerno (17%). The regional agricultural education system is well established: Campania has 69 agrarian institutes, equal to 8% of the national total, with one Increase in students by 55% compared to 2015, and represents the 7,1% Italian Agricultural Students, placing the region in the top five for the weight of agricultural training.
These data confirm that the future of Campanian agriculture depends on strengthening skills, attracting young entrepreneurs and disseminating modern management practices, key elements to support innovation, digitalisation and competitiveness of the regional system.
YOUNG PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The table dedicated to ‘Young people in agriculture: challenges and opportunities” was coordinated by Roberto Mazzei, Head of Innovation Service and AKIS – Coldiretti, with the participation of Carlo Coduti, Giuseppe Gorga, Alfredo Lassandro, Liana Agostinelli, Virgilio Buscemi, Giovanni De Sio, Francesca Luisa Fedele, Salvatore Loffreda, Concetta Nazzaro, Raffaele Pezone, Giuseppe Russo and Bruno Striano.
The analysis showed that: strong demographic fragility of the agricultural sector in Campania: in 2020, Only 9.3% The company was led by under 40s., slightly below the national average (10.9%), while More than 37% It was conducted by people between the ages of 60 and 74.. Businesses led by young people under 29 They just represent the 3% of the total.
A positive element concerns the female component: female-run companies reach 38.8%, amounting to more than 30,700 companies, highlighting the strategic role of women in rural development. However, between 2019 and 2024, Campania lost 24% of youth enterprises, a more marked drop compared to -10.8% nationally, while retaining about 10 percent of the% of Italian youth enterprises.
Territorial distribution shows that the 50th% of the companies is located on the hill, the 33% in the plains and on the 17th% in the mountains, with an average size below the national average: 9.6 hectares in the plain and 4.7 hectares in the mountains. Despite the fragmentation, there is a strong propensity for multifunctionality: the 33.6% of companies diversified incomes through agritourism, processing, subcontracting or energy production. In particular, on 21,4% carries out processing activities, on 11,4% offers farm services or educational farms e the 16.9% work in the first processing.
The research highlights how crucial it is to encourage the entry of new generations, support female entrepreneurship and strengthen innovation and training pathways, transforming demographic and structural problems into levers for relaunching Campanian agriculture.
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