COVID-19: COLDIRETTI Initiatives to the benefit of farmers and the most vulnerable population

A close dialogue with EU institutions, government authorities and social partners to advocate the requests and needs of the Italian agricultural sector that is at the forefront of facing the crisis, guaranteeing food supply to the whole population.

The launch of several initiatives to the benefit of farmers and the most vulnerable sections of the population.

As a farmers’ organization, Coldiretti’ s action in response to the pandemic coronavirus crisis has gone in two directions. On the one hand, the organization established a close dialogue with EU institutions, government authorities and social partners to advocate the requests and needs of the sector, that is at the forefront of facing the crisis, guaranteeing food supply to the whole population. On the other hand, it has launched several initiatives to the benefit of farmers and the most vulnerable sections of the community.

In addition to the initiatives strictly related to the needs of the agricultural world, at the beginning of the emergency, the President of Coldiretti Ettore Prandini went to donate blood to the Italian Red Cross and invited all the farmers of the Coldiretti network to do so, an act of solidarity aimed at coping with the sharp drop in blood collection due to the Coronavirus emergency.

“We ask our farmers, committed to guaranteeing food supplies to the population, for a further gesture of participation and solidarity in a difficult moment for the Country, in which the health system is under stress due to the pandemic”.

Ensuring the free movement of workers and goods

To face the crisis, the agricultural sector needs machines, equipment and workers. Coldiretti asked the national Government and to the EU institutions to act to address these shortages.
One of the main elements needed is the implementation of Green Lanes to keep essentials transports flows moving.

“A requirement that must be met by the Government with an adequate modification of the decree that allows industries in the sector to resume production in strict compliance with the prevention and safety measures for workers” stated Prandini.

Labour legislation simplification

“We are experiencing an exceptional situation with the entire food supply chain committed to the forefront of guaranteeing the food needed by Italian families. Food that risks missing if extraordinary measures are not taken to ensure the presence of labour in the countryside” stresses Prandini.

At this time, Italy does not need ideological positions, but pragmatic choices to the benefit of the Country, such as those concerning agriculture and food production. We, therefore, ask the Government to readmit the amendment in the context of the Parliamentary discussion in an atmosphere of a collaboration of political forces in the general interest” reacted Prandini to the rejection of the proposal.

Marshall Plan

As the US administration launched a substantial package of measures of 2000 billion dollars to give oxygen to the economy and agriculture, the European Union cannot fall behind.

“Italian agriculture needs a robust injection of liquidity. The COVID-19 emergency, which is also confirming the strategic value of the agri-food sector, is, however, exposing all its weaknesses. An epic-sized event like the one the whole world is experiencing cannot be addressed with normal interventions” stresses Prandini.

Coldiretti believes it is essential to activate a crisis fund outside the agricultural budget to support the agricultural supply chains that are experiencing a deep crisis. At Coldiretti, we have raised the alarm on the risks that run from the wine sector to the nursery gardening, from the olive growing to fishing, and all the activities and services provided to the Horeca sector, which today with the closure of bars and restaurants risk the debacle all over the world.

There are, for example, around 12 billion of rural development resources, the second pillar of the EU common agricultural policy. These are unspent funds, for a portion of which there is even a risk of disengagement. Therefore, we asked the EU to allow the engagement of these resources in the 2020 annuality.

Initiatives launched to support the population

Spesa Sospesa. To help fight the new poverty and face the crisis, citizens who receive groceries at home through the Campagna Amica markets and farms can decide to donate a food package to the most disadvantaged families. Fruit, vegetables, flour, cheeses, meats or other Made in Italy food products, will be delivered for free by the farmers of Campagna Amica to the families in need, in agreement with the Municipalities.
Mangio Italiano. To combat disinformation, instrumental attacks and unfair competition, the first “Eat Italian” campaign kicked off, intending to save the reputation of Made in Italy, defend the territory, the economy and work and raise awareness of the value of the national food and wine culture. Coldiretti also asked the large retailers to adhere with concrete actions to the campaign, favouring 100% Made in Italy products.
Caro Nonno ti Cibo. With the closure of the agritourisms throughout the national territory, farmers employed in this type of activity have made themselves available guaranteeing the food home delivery service for the population groups most at risk, such as the elderly.
Agnello Salva Pastori. To safeguard traditions and at the same time support the shepherds who produce lamb, who make most of their sales during the Easter holidays, Coldiretti launched a campaign to invite people to keep buying lamb for Easter, raising awareness on the added value that pasture farming provides to the territory.
Streets sanitation. With the lockdown of all Italian cities, Coldiretti farmers have made their tractors available to spread disinfectant and sanitize the streets.