A recent study by Stempfle et al. from the University of Bari, as part of the AgrEcoMed project, has shed light on the current state of agroecological transition within Italian farming systems.
Titled “Characterizing the agroecological transition of Italian farming systems using FADN database”, this study provides valuable insights into the state of agroecological transition in Italy and emphasizes the necessity for further research to address existing knowledge gaps and deepen the understanding of agroecology across various scales.
The research has been published in “Environmental and Sustainability Indicators”, which boasts an impact factor of 7.8, highlighting its significance in enriching academic discourse on sustainability and agroecology as outlined by Elsevier Connect.
The findings reveal that the adoption of agroecological practices in Italian farms is still at an early stage, with the aggregated Farm-related CAET (F-CAET) value standing at 26.4%. This indicates a relatively low uptake of agroecological practices nationwide. Moreover, the transition to agroecology is markedly influenced by geographical context, with Central Italy exhibiting the highest levels of adoption, while Southern regions and islands are lagging behind. This geographical disparity reinforces the idea that the path to sustainability is not uniform and is significantly affected by local conditions. Several key factors affecting the degree of agroecological transition include the territorial, structural, organizational, and socio-demographic characteristics of the farms. Aspects such as farm type, size, management approaches, and farmer demographics critically influence the level of agroecological practices implemented.
The study emphasizes the necessity for more detailed qualitative research to fully understand the underlying dynamics that drive or inhibit the transition to agroecological systems. In particular, it advocates for case studies conducted at smaller scales to offer more detailed insights into the ongoing transitions within rural farming systems.
Overall, the findings align with the objectives of the AgrEcoMed project, which seeks to improve soil fertility and restore biodiversity, thereby enhancing the economic and social resilience of Mediterranean farming systems.
The article can be accessed at the following link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100616