National Strategic Plan for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027
Strategy for the modernization of the Italian agricultural sector through digitalization
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
The National Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 (PSP) (orig. Piano Strategico Nazionale per la Politica Agricola Comune [PAC]) is a strategic plan targeting the modernization of the Italian agricultural sector through various initiatives, some of which are digital. Within the plan, 23 out of the 77 rural development interventions listed are focused on digitalization, including technological support concerning agricultural, environmental and climate measures, investments into material and non-material assets, investments for attracting new farmers , cooperation, and integrated interventions for the dissemination of knowledge and innovations.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The digital technologies that are supported by the interventions are not defined in Italy’s National CAP Strategic Plan, and depend on decisions made at regional levels and the nature of the interventions. Interventions supporting the adoption of digital technologies and access to data, on the other hand, are organized under eight headings: 1) integrated pest management; 2) precision farming; 3) animal welfare; 4) competitiveness investments; 5) food processing and commercialization investments; 6) installation of young and new farmers; 7) rural infrastructure; and 8) on-farm diversification.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The target recipients of the strategy include a diverse range of stakeholders within the agricultural sector, including agricultural cooperatives, farm advisors, large and medium-sized farms, the private sector, the public sector, and smallholder farmers, including young farmers who are mentioned explicitly in the Strategic Plan as “more receptive to innovation and digitalization”. These users, and especially those in locations where internet connectivity can be an issue, are intended to benefit most from the strategy. The implementation of the strategy will be handled by a coordination team affiliated to the stakeholders in charge of the PSP and of the national strategy on digitalization.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The Strategy is publicly available, and a budget of EUR 437 million is planned for the promotion and sharing of knowledge and innovation initiatives.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The policy aims to contribute to three main areas: 1) The reduction of the digital divide, through which the unequal digital access of different regions and agricultural enterprises will be resolved and equal access to opportunities for all stakeholders will be ensured; 2) increased data utilization, contributing to the improvement of decision-making processes and resource management in agriculture, and 3) the development of digitized entrepreneurial models, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural enterprises. Overall, the plan addresses such challenges as the limited digital infrastructure, data scarcity and the uneven technology uptake of different regions, and stresses the importance of the adoption of technologies for competitiveness, sustainability and rural development. In this way, it seeks to unlock economic opportunities, improve resource management and enhance overall agricultural resilience.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
Crea, Rete Rurale Nazionale 2014 2020, ISMEA, European Union
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
Better environment
