Italy and Big Data: Agriculture 4.0 Accounts for 430 Mln Euros

55% of Italian agricultural sector operators actively use the agrotech system in order to switch to innovative agricultural production without loss in quality.

The Italian agricultural market 4.0 ranges between 370 and 430 mln euros, representing 18% of the European agricultural market and 5% of the global market. These data is certified by the Osservatorio Smart Agrifood in Milan and the Rise laboratory at the University of Brescia. This data was presented at a conference in Rome organized by the Confederation of Agriculture (Confagricoltura), the Association of Agrofarmaceuticals (Agrofarma) and the Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers (Assofertilizzanti).

The main challenge for the agricultural sector is to reorient towards innovative and sustainable production. The Italian Ministry of Agricultural Policy and the Confederation of Agriculture consider the transition to the digital economy as the key to the leadership of the Italian agricultural production model.

The study covered 1,467 agricultural enterprises, 55% of which used solutions focused on agrotech in production. More than 300 technological solutions ranged from the Internet of Things (IoT) and data analysis to robots and drones.

The Association of Agricultural Pharmaceuticals and the Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers supported the digital orientation of agriculture. According to them, scientific research in the agricultural sector should focus on the control of parasites, which are becoming more destructive for agriculture and more resistant to chemical control agents.

The strategic goals of Agriculture 4.0

There are five goals — the first is one the creation of high-quality products as well as care for the welfare of consumers, industry workers and interested participants, and combining income-generating activities with non-profit ones. The second goal is to move enterprises towards integrated sustainability.

The third goal is to create an intergenerational pact for the renovation of the agricultural sector with medium and long term views in order to create an improved model in the future. The fourth goal is the creation of inclusive agriculture based on mutual trust and respect, through the creation of trust networks involving and with the participation of enterprises, workers and the state administration.

The fifth goal is to move away from the competition model and move to a model of joint competition in global markets in the context of globalization.

According to a study conducted jointly by The European House and Ambrosetti, the agrifood sector which includes the entire chain from production to distribution and export, has been underestimated for a long time. According to recent data, its volume in Italy is 538 bln euros, with an added value of 119 bln euros., 2.1 mln enterprises, with 3.6 mln employees working in the agrifood sector of Italy — and that is 18% of the total labour force.

This sector has been dynamically developing since 2000 with VAT growing by almost 40%. Besides, employment growth increased by 11.2% and, in particular, growth in agricultural exports increased by 144%. That is the reason why the Italian agrifood sector is the most attractive for introducing innovations and AI.