Monitor Compliance and Value

The Compliance and Value Monitor was created with the aim of supporting the development of a new model of sustainable agriculture capable of balancing economic growth, respect for the environment and social inclusion.

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Created in collaboration with the Farming for Future Foundation, created and supported by Consorzio Italiano Biogas (CIB)

the Monitor conducts in-depth vertical research aimed at understanding the impacts of European public policies on the agricultural sector.

As part of its mandate, the Foundation has developed a sustainable transition model for the agricultural sector, broken down into "Ten Actions," which include harnessing renewable energy, technological innovation, adopting advanced agricultural practices and protecting soil quality. Working alongside the Foundation in developing these strategic actions, the Monitor conducts empirical research to support legislators in defining regulatory instruments that can facilitate the ecological and sustainable transition of farms in line with the Ten Actions.

The first project explored in depth by the Monitor focused on Action 4 (organic fertilization), analyzing the use of digestate as an alternative to chemical fertilization. This practice aims to ensure long-term soil protection, improve crop quality and reduce the Italian agricultural sector's dependence on urea imports.

Activities

The Compliance and Value Monitor conducts research for:

Analyze the impact of European policies on the agricultural sector
Promote the dissemination of research findings to agricultural entrepreneurs, encouraging their adaptation to more sustainable models
Support legislators in the process of defining regulatory instruments through dialogue with stakeholders and sharing best practices
Encourage the sector's transition to more resilient and environmentally friendly production and business models

In the first phase of the research, the Compliance and Value Monitor analyzed the Italian landscape of the production, management and use of agricultural digestate as an organic fertilizer. Because of its properties, digestate can in fact be a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, such as urea.

The research aims to promote updated regulations to encourage more widespread use of this solution. Indeed, organic fertilization methods are associated with economic and environmental benefits, including reduced chemical fertilizer imports, better planning and management of fertilization costs for user farms, and improved soil quality. Preliminary results of the research were presented on 30 July 2024 in Milano.