This study evaluates the impact of nitrogen recommendations provided by a Decision Support System (DSS) on soft wheat production and technical efficiency in specialized Italian cereal farms. Employing a Stochastic Frontier Analysis, the research evaluates the relationship between adherence to DSS recommendations and farm performance. The analysis relies on real farm data from the Barilla Farming platform, agrarian year 2022/2023, covering 487 farms and 1,664 fields, including suggested and actual nitrogen applications and observed yields. Findings indicate that compliance with DSS recommendations enhances productivity and efficiency, particularly for medium and large farms, whereas deviations, especially over-application, reduce efficiency with potential increase of costs and environmental risks. Notably, small farms maintain efficiency despite lower nitrogen applications, indicating the need for tailored DSS calibration. Results highlight the importance of site-specific nitrogen management strategies to optimize both economic and environmental outcomes. While promoting DSS adoption is essential, our findings suggest that ensuring farmers' compliance with DSS recommendations is equally—if not more—critical to realizing its full benefits. Policymakers and extension services should not only encourage the uptake of DSS but also focus on strategies that enhance farmers' adherence to recommended practices. Additionally, ensuring the adaptability of DSS to different farm structures is key to maximizing its impact across varying production scales.
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027 introduces stringent sustainability requirements, reshaping land use and influencing crop planning and economic outcomes for European farmers. This study examines the impact of recent CAP reforms on farmland allocation and related implications on farm profitability, in a sample of highly specialized cereal farms located in intensive agricultural areas of Northern Italy. Using Integer Linear Programming models, we simulate farmers’ decision-making under different CAP frameworks, considering 2014–2020, 2021–2023, and 2023–2027 environmental constraints changes. Results highlight a shift in crop distribution, with reductions in staple cereals like maize and wheat and increases in legumes, soy, and industrial crops, aligning with biodiversity and soil health goals. These transitions, however, can lead to reduced farm income, particularly in high-output systems, where profit margins are strongly tied to cereal production. While the findings are specific to a well-defined farming context, they underscore the broader tension between ecological targets and economic viability. The study also considers policy adaptations introduced in response to farmer protests, suggesting that greater flexibility and support mechanisms are critical to achieving sustainability without undermining farm resilience.
Cite: Cappella, M. T., Nerozzi, L., Benini, M., Detti, P., & Blasi, E. (2025). Evaluating the economic and land use consequences of sustainability-driven CAP reforms: Insights from an optimization approach in Italian cereal farms. Land Use Policy, 158, 107720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107720
Romano R., Rivieccio R., CAPPELLA M.T., CREA PB
Rete Rurale Nazionale – Published: 06/2024
This Volume, written by CREA researchers, analyses the different dimensions that characterise interventions to support tourism by rural development policies. It also includes contributions from the Department for Cohesion Policies (Presidency of the Council of Ministers), on tourism and SNAI, and from ISMEA on agritourism.
Romano R., Mazza E., CAPPELLA M.T., Scarano S., Rivieccio R., Giordano D., Orsini S., Pecchi M., Maluccio S., Pennelli B.
Rete Rurale Nazionale – Published: 05/2023
The forestry sector was excluded from the scope of European Agricultural Policy (CAP) until the mid-1980s, but today around 90% of the Union's funds for forests and the forestry sector come from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), dedicated to the second pillar of the CAP. Resources indispensable to give effect to national and regional forest policies. But how have these resources been used over time? This report offers a first analysis of the results obtained over the last 20 years by Italy.
Rivieccio R., CAPPELLA M.T., Orsini S., Pennelli B., Pepe A., Romano R.
PianetaPSR – Published: 04/2023
The article provides an overview of the current status and development potential of agroforestry systems in Italy. It examines existing practices, regional disparities, regulatory barriers, and emerging opportunities linked to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and rural development policies. While adoption remains limited, the analysis highlights growing interest among farmers and policymakers and outlines the conditions needed to scale agroforestry as a viable and sustainable land-use option.