In a significant move to bolster regional agriculture, the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has announced two new subsidy programs with a combined fund of €1.2 million. The measures, which opened for applications on August 7, 2025, are strategically designed to counter declining investments in key sectors and promote the use of certified planting material to enhance yield and combat soil-borne diseases.
The larger of the two allocations, €700,000, is dedicated to the potato sector. This funding is strategically split:
- €450,000 is reserved for surfaces cultivating the Patata di Bologna DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), a high-value variety with specific geographical and quality indications.
- €250,000 is allocated for other potato cultivation across the region, regardless of type or end use.
The subsidy structure powerfully incentivizes the use of certified seed potatoes. Growers who utilize a minimum quantity of certified seed tubers are eligible for a substantial €1,200 per hectare for the DOP variety and €250 per hectare for other types. This policy directly addresses a critical challenge in potato cultivation: the use of low-quality, informal seed. The FAO estimates that seed-borne diseases can cause yield losses of 15-30% annually. By promoting certified seed, which guarantees genetic purity and low disease incidence, the region aims to boost overall productivity and protect its renowned DOP product.
This focus on certified seed aligns with a second, €500,000 subsidy for rice cultivation (riso da pila e da seme), which offers €200 per hectare. Both programs share a common goal: to preserve soil health and combat specific pathogens. For rice, the target is the nematode causing “white tip” disease; for potatoes, the unstated targets are likely viruses like PVY and PLRV, and soil-borne diseases like Rhizoctonia and blackleg. The economic argument is clear. Research by the International Potato Center (CIP) shows that investing in certified seed can provide a return of €5–€10 for every €1 invested through increased yields and higher-quality marketable tubers.
Emilia-Romagna’s new subsidy program is a masterclass in targeted agricultural policy. It moves beyond generic support to strategically invest in the very foundation of crop production: high-quality, certified seed. By offering tiered incentives that prioritize both a protected, high-value DOP product and broader regional production, the policy safeguards culinary heritage while boosting overall farm profitability and sustainability. For growers, this is a clear signal to adopt best practices. For policymakers worldwide, it demonstrates how public funds can be effectively used to catalyze a shift towards more resilient, productive, and quality-focused agricultural systems by addressing the seed input challenge head-on.
