{"id":4639,"date":"2026-01-12T07:45:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T07:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/impresasocialeland.org\/?post_type=approfondimento&p=4639"},"modified":"2026-02-18T11:27:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T11:27:23","slug":"transform-twin-transition-agrifood-sector","status":"publish","type":"approfondimento","link":"https:\/\/impresasocialeland.org\/en\/approfondimento\/transform-twin-transition-agrifood-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"The Twin Transition: a challenge for the agri-food sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The agri-food sector is currently at a crossroads.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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On one hand, there's an urgent need to reduce environmental impact<\/strong> and increase resilience to climate change; on the other, a push toward digitalization<\/strong> as a lever to improve efficiency and competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is within this context that the twin transition<\/strong> comes into play, the dual ecological and digital transition<\/strong> promoted by the European Union as a strategic key for a sustainable future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This transformation affects the entire sector, but takes on particular significance in regions such as Sicily<\/strong>, where agriculture is a vital economic resource and where significant potential coexists with structural challenges. The transition of the agri-food system calls for targeted responses and tools that can enhance local specificities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal along this path is to achieve smart and sustainable agriculture<\/strong>, capable of ensuring greater resilience and more efficient resource use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Innovation and sustainability for Italian agriculture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The agri-food sector is one of the most important for the Italian economy<\/strong>, but also among the most exposed to the effects of climate change<\/strong>. At the same time, it is responsible for a significant share of CO\u2082 emissions.1<\/a><\/sup>Agenzia Europea dell\u2019Ambiente (2021). L\u2019adattamento ai cambiamenti climatici \u00e8 fondamentale per il futuro dell\u2019agricoltura in Europa<\/em>. https:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/it\/articles\/l2019adattamento-ai-cambiamenti-climatici-e<\/a><\/span> In this scenario, the twin transition represents a strategic lever to innovate, adapt, and reduce environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twin transition in Italian agriculture<\/strong> is based on the integration of environmental sustainability and digitalization<\/strong> of processes, providing an opportunity to become more efficient, resilient, and competitive. Sector companies \u2014 particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) \u2014 are already responding to this challenge: more than half are using digital tools to support sustainable farming practices.2<\/a><\/sup>Cr\u00e9dit Agricole Italia (2024). La twin transition: il doppio binario della rivoluzione green e digitale<\/em>. https:\/\/www.credit-agricole.it\/news-magazine\/magazine\/a\/la-twin-transition-il-doppio-binario-della-rivoluzione-green-e-digitale<\/a><\/span> However, access to funding and infrastructure disparities continue to hinder large-scale adoption.3<\/a><\/sup>Comitato Europeo delle Regioni (2022). La transizione verde europea passa dalle microimprese agricole<\/em>. https:\/\/pes.cor.europa.eu\/it\/article\/la-transizione-verde-europea-passa-dalle-microimprese-agricole<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the most promising technologies in Italy<\/strong> is Agriculture 4.0<\/strong>, a central expression of the twin transition in the agri-food sector. Agriculture 4.0 refers to the evolution of precision farming based on the use of digital technologies to collect, integrate, and analyse data from various sources, with the goal of supporting farmers\u2019 decisions while improving both sustainability and profitability.4<\/a><\/sup>Osservatori Digital Innovation \u2013 Politecnico di Milano (2025). Agricoltura 4.0: cos\u2019\u00e8, vantaggi e tecnologie<\/em>. https:\/\/www.osservatori.net\/blog\/smart-agrifood\/agricoltura-4-0-cose-vantaggi-tecnologie<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the key technologies in Agriculture 4.0<\/strong> include: Artificial Intelligence<\/em>, used to select crops, assess risks, and perform predictive maintenance on machinery and equipment; Internet of Things<\/em> (IoT), enables smart objects to communicate and exchange data through sensors and digital technologies, allowing for environmental monitoring and real-time control of farming activities; Agrometeorology<\/em>, supports more informed and efficient agricultural decisions by improving productivity based on weather conditions. 5<\/a><\/sup>Osservatori Digital Innovation \u2013 Politecnico di Milano (2025). Agricoltura 4.0: cos\u2019\u00e8, vantaggi e tecnologie<\/em>. https:\/\/www.osservatori.net\/blog\/smart-agrifood\/agricoltura-4-0-cose-vantaggi-tecnologie<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the institutional level, there are also key investments and funds supporting the twin transition in Italian agriculture. Italy\u2019s National Recovery and Resilience Plan<\/strong> (NRRP), through Mission 2, has allocated funds for the adoption of sustainable technologies and Agriculture 4.0 solutions.6<\/a><\/sup>Regione Lombardia \u2013 Open Innovation (2024). PNRR e Agritech: la trasformazione digitale del settore agroalimentare<\/em>. https:\/\/www.openinnovation.regione.lombardia.it\/it\/news\/news\/7996\/pnrr-e-agritech-la-trasformazione-digitale-del-settore-agroalimentare<\/a><\/span> The 2023\u20132027 Common Agricultural Policy<\/strong> (CAP) Strategic Plan also introduces an integrated national strategy for agriculture, food, and forestry, incorporating tools to promote green transition and digital innovation, aligned with NRRP funding. 7<\/a><\/sup>Regione Siciliana \u2013 Sviluppo Rurale. Sito ufficiale del PSR Sicilia<\/em>. https:\/\/svilupporurale.regione.sicilia.it\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Sicily<\/strong>, the 2014\u20132022 Rural Development Programme<\/strong> (RDP) has been a key instrument in implementing the twin transition, aiming to make agriculture more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive by promoting innovation, resource efficiency, digitalization, and rural development.8<\/a><\/sup>PSR Sicilia. PSR Sicilia 2014\u20132022: Portale ufficiale<\/em>. https:\/\/www.psrsicilia.it\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite a market slowdown in Agriculture 4.0 in 2024 (-8%), interest in digital tools and farm management software continues to grow: 41% of farms have adopted at least one 4.0 technology. However, only 8% are considered digitally mature<\/strong>. This underscores the need to strengthen skills, enhance infrastructure, and provide stable incentives to support the transition in the long term. 9<\/a><\/sup>AgroNotizie (2025). Agricoltura 4.0: il mercato rallenta, ma cresce l\u2019adozione di digitale e intelligenza artificiale<\/em>. https:\/\/agronotizie.imagelinenetwork.com\/agricoltura-digitale\/2025\/02\/19\/agricoltura-40-il-mercato-rallenta-ma-cresce-l-adozione-di-digitale-e-intelligenza-artificiale\/86769<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sicily\u2019s path toward smarter agriculture<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Sicily, the leading Italian region in terms of utilized agricultural area <\/strong>and the share of organic farming, is a representative territory for understanding both the needs and the potential of the twin transition.10<\/a><\/sup>Ministero dell\u2019Agricoltura, della Sovranit\u00e0 Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (2023). Piano Strategico PAC 2023\u20132027 \u2013 Allegato Sicilia<\/em>. https:\/\/svilupporurale.regione.sicilia.it\/storage\/2023\/10\/MASAF_2023_0198160_Allegato_CSR_PSP2023_27Sicilia_MARZO_2023-1.pdf<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, there have been positive developments: increased digitalization, diversification of activities, and the launch of pilot projects based on 4.0 technologies, such as smart water management, waste recovery, and advanced crop monitoring.11<\/a><\/sup>IlSicilia.it (2025). Agricoltura e intelligenza artificiale in Sicilia: un\u2019equazione complessa tra sostenibilit\u00e0 e criticit\u00e0 economiche<\/em>. https:\/\/ilsicilia.it\/agricoltura-e-intelligenza-artificiale-in-sicilia-unequazione-complessa-tra-sostenibilita-e-criticita-economiche\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this momentum toward agricultural transition, targeted interventions are still needed to address the current needs of local farms, considering the predominance of SMEs in the Sicilian territory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, it is crucial to facilitate access to national and European funds<\/strong>, especially for small farms facing high upfront investment costs, which risks exacerbating the gap with larger agricultural enterprises that have greater financial resources.12<\/a><\/sup>IlSicilia.it (2025). Agricoltura e intelligenza artificiale in Sicilia: un\u2019equazione complessa tra sostenibilit\u00e0 e criticit\u00e0 economiche<\/em>. https:\/\/ilsicilia.it\/agricoltura-e-intelligenza-artificiale-in-sicilia-unequazione-complessa-tra-sostenibilita-e-criticita-economiche\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key issue is training<\/strong>: many small farms still show cultural resistance to change and lack specific digital skills. Training and awareness programs are needed to guide farms through digital and green transition topics, highlighting their potential in the agricultural sector.13<\/a><\/sup>IlSicilia.it (2025). Agricoltura e intelligenza artificiale in Sicilia: un\u2019equazione complessa tra sostenibilit\u00e0 e criticit\u00e0 economiche<\/em>. https:\/\/ilsicilia.it\/agricoltura-e-intelligenza-artificiale-in-sicilia-unequazione-complessa-tra-sostenibilita-e-criticita-economiche\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the infrastructure<\/strong> side, investments are required to improve digital accessibility and innovation in rural areas<\/strong>. Furthermore, collaborative networks between companies should be supported, with the aim of creating true innovation clusters for agricultural digitalization.14<\/a><\/sup>Ministero dell\u2019Agricoltura, della Sovranit\u00e0 Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (2023). Piano Strategico PAC 2023\u20132027 \u2013 Allegato Sicilia<\/em>. https:\/\/svilupporurale.regione.sicilia.it\/storage\/2023\/10\/MASAF_2023_0198160_Allegato_CSR_PSP2023_27Sicilia_MARZO_2023-1.pdf<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, a sustainable and long-term transition must promote youth entrepreneurship and social inclusion<\/strong>, as a fundamental step to ensure new generations enter and remain in the agricultural sector, supporting employment and local innovation.15<\/a><\/sup>Ministero dell\u2019Agricoltura, della Sovranit\u00e0 Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (2023). Piano Strategico PAC 2023\u20132027 \u2013 Allegato Sicilia<\/em>. https:\/\/svilupporurale.regione.sicilia.it\/storage\/2023\/10\/MASAF_2023_0198160_Allegato_CSR_PSP2023_27Sicilia_MARZO_2023-1.pdf<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context of profound transformation, the TRANSFORM<\/a> project takes shape, created with the goal of strengthening the skills of workers and small and medium-sized enterprises in key sectors of the green and digital transition. Through a collaborative approach inspired by the Living Lab model, TRANSFORM fosters dialogue and co-creation between public and private actors, aiming to align training pathways with the real needs of the labour market and to support a fair and sustainable transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twin transition is not only a technological or environmental challenge but also an opportunity to rethink the Italian agri-food model with a focus on resilience, inclusiveness, and sustainability.<\/strong> Supporting businesses and regions along this path means laying the foundation today for a fairer, more digital, and environmentally respectful future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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