Italian Agriculture Seeks Reciprocity in Mercosur Trade Deal at Forum in Masseria
MANCIANO – Discussions at the winter edition of the ‘Forum in Masseria’ held at Terme di Saturnia highlighted the need for fair trade practices as Italy considers opening its markets to South American agricultural products. The central theme revolved around balancing access to the Mercosur market with the principle of reciprocity, ensuring equivalent standards for imported goods.
Challenges for Italian Agriculture
The opening panel, titled ‘From Mercosur to climate change: the challenges of Italian agriculture and the strategic role of public-private partnership in global challenges,’ featured President of Confagricoltura Massimiliano Giansanti, Undersecretary for Agriculture Patrizio La Pietra, President of Aeneas Francesca Mariotti, and President of ICE Matteo Zoppas. The conversation focused on the impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement on Italy’s agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Maremma, known for its livestock and cereal production.
Trade associations, including Confagricoltura Grosseto and Coldiretti, have voiced concerns regarding the agreement, citing potential competition from South American beef, chicken, soya, and rice produced under less stringent environmental and health standards than those in Europe. The European Parliament has currently frozen the ratification process, requesting a legal opinion from the EU Court of Justice.
Calls for Equivalent Standards and Reciprocity
“Ours is not a position of protection of the market, but of fairness: the standards must be the same,” stated Giansanti. “In Europe many substances are prohibited, while elsewhere they are permitted. GMOs, for example, build feed more competitive. We ask for reciprocity and the exclusion of some sensitive sectors.”
Undersecretary La Pietra affirmed the government’s commitment to opening new markets while maintaining quality standards. “We are a transforming country and in 2025 we achieved a record in agri-food exports. Opening up new markets is essential, but without lowering quality. We have worked to insert clear limits on reciprocity and obtained reassurances on the protection of our designations of origin.”
Innovation and Sustainability
ICE President Zoppas highlighted the resilience of “Made in Italy” exports despite tariffs and currency fluctuations, noting that a strong brand can absorb market challenges. La Pietra emphasized the need for investment in agrivoltaics and strengthening strategic supply chains, while also calling for improved collaboration between universities, public bodies, and research centers to facilitate innovation and technological transfer.
Mariotti underscored the importance of research for both traditional and modern agriculture, emphasizing digitalization, efficient water use, genetic selection, traceability, and food safety as key drivers of profitability.
Culture, Energy, and Regional Development
Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli discussed the economic benefits of cultural policies, citing the return of the statue of Minerva to Arezzo and support for local publishing. Mayor of L’Aquila Pierluigi Biondi highlighted the role of culture in combating depopulation in Italy’s internal areas.
A discussion between Tuscany Region President Eugenio Giani and journalist Bruno Vespa led to a focus on wind energy, with Giani noting that 51% of the region’s energy demand is met by renewables, largely through geothermal sources. Minister of the Environment Gilberto Pichetto Fratin addressed the energy gap between Italy and other European nations, emphasizing the need to balance industrial development, sustainability, and landscape protection.