Abstract
Italy plays a key role in cereal production, especially wheat. According to data for 2022, wheat production was the largest at 6.61 million tonnes (Mt), which stands out among the country’s total grain production. Wheat has diverse demand as it is widely used for food and is also consumed as animal feed. Italy’s grain production is mainly concentrated in the northern plains, where climatic conditions and soil conditions have a major influence on production volumes. In terms of exports, wheat and corn are the main export items, with demand particularly high in the European market and North Africa. On the other hand, domestic consumption has remained stable and demand for food has remained relatively constant. However, recent climate change and market fluctuations may affect production volumes and exports, so attention must be paid to future trends.
Production(production (production volume))
Italian grain production shows significant fluctuations between 1961 and 2022. Corn, in particular, was the most produced crop, peaking at 11.4 million tons (Mt) in 2004. However, production volume has been declining since then, and currently stands at around 4.7 million tons, which is 41.3% of the peak. This decrease is thought to be due to changes in agricultural policies, advances in production technology, and changes in agricultural land use. Additionally, climate change and weather instability affecting crop yields are also cited as contributing factors. Italy is also seeing an increase in production of other crops, especially wheat and barley, signaling a shift towards greater crop choice and agricultural diversification. Given these trends, Italian grain production continues to respond to export markets and domestic demand, albeit with occasional fluctuations.
The maximum is 11.4Mt[2004] of Corn, and the current value is about 41.3%
Production (food)
Wheat has long played an important role in Italy’s grain production, reaching a peak of 10 million tonnes (Mt) in 1979. However, production has declined over the past few decades, and currently stands at approximately 8.5 million tonnes, or 85.2% of its peak. The reasons for this decline include changes in agricultural policy, advances in production technology, and the diversification of farmland. This is particularly due to the increased production of other crops and fruits, as well as a focus on more efficient land use. Furthermore, climate change and fluctuations in yields also affect wheat production, with drought and water shortages causing instability in production. Nevertheless, Italian wheat remains of high quality and has a stable domestic and international demand for food and flour milling, ensuring that it will continue to be an important crop.
The maximum is 10Mt[1979] of Wheat, and the current value is about 85.2%
Import and export (exports)
Italy’s grain exports have shown significant fluctuations since 1961. Wheat, in particular, was the main export, reaching a peak of 5.08 million tonnes (Mt) in 1961. Total exports that year were 6.53 million tons, of which wheat accounted for the majority. During this period, Italian agriculture was becoming increasingly dependent on foreign markets as production volumes increased. Exports averaged a lower 1.05 million tonnes, but still provided a stable supply of Italian grain, mainly to European markets and North Africa. In recent years, increased domestic demand and unstable production volumes due to climate change have had an impact on exports, with wheat exports in particular showing a downward trend. However, Italy’s high-quality wheat remains in demand and its importance on export markets remains.
The maximum is 12.3Mt[2014] of Corn, and the current value is about 83.2%
Animal (feed)
Italian grain production is led by corn, especially in terms of demand for animal feed. In 1961, corn production reached a peak of 12.3 million tonnes (Mt), which played an important role in the supply of animal feed. During this time, there was a high demand for livestock in Italy, especially pork and poultry production, so corn was widely used as the main feed crop. Currently, corn production remains close to its peak level and continues to play an important role in the animal feed market. In recent years, demand for livestock feed has remained stable, but the supply of feed corn has come under some pressure due to the effects of climate change and fluctuations in crop prices. Nevertheless, Italian agriculture continues to produce high-quality fodder crops to meet both national and international demand.
The maximum is 12.3Mt[2014] of Corn, and the current value is about 83.2%
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