Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In the modern world, under the ever more tangible impact of climate change, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable development are becoming priorities for many countries. In this context, organic agriculture serves not only as an efficient model of productive activity, but also as a means to promote environmental sustainability and ensure food security.

Among the brightest examples of countries with outstanding positions in the field of agriculture, Italy stands out as a symbol of innovative and sustainable development. One of the most significant and successful areas in its agriculture is the development of organic farming. The undeniable achievements of Italy in this area attract the attention of many countries seeking to improve their agricultural systems. In this context, Uzbekistan, having a rich agrarian heritage and potential, is looking to the best practices of Italy in order to adapt and apply successful methods of organic agriculture on its land.

The history of the development of organic agriculture in Italy is rooted in the deep past and is associated with rich traditions of rural lifestyle, attention to product quality and respect for nature. However, the genuine cultivation of organic agriculture began to be widely recognized in Italy in the middle of the 20th century.

During this period, the public consciousness began to realize the negative consequences of the intensive use of chemicals in agriculture. "Farming" has often become synonymous with environmental pollution and loss of natural yields.

In response to these problems, a movement in support of organic agriculture began to actively develop in Italy. In 1972, the first association of organic farmers was formed. This became the starting point for the formation of laws and regulations aimed at supporting organic agriculture.

A key moment in the history of organic agriculture in Italy was also the development and implementation of certification standards. In 1985, the organization "AIAB" (Association of Italian Organic Farmers) was established, which took an active part in the development of norms and standards for organic production. In 1988, the Italian Green Party presented the first proposal for a national law on organic agriculture, which was approved only in 1991.

In 1992, the National Organic Certification Authority (ICEA) was established, which was authorized to certify organic products in the country. This has created a reliable system for guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of organic products.

To date, organic production in Italy continues to demonstrate stable growth and dynamic development is on the agenda of Italy’s domestic and foreign policy priorities, and also receives assistance from the authorities.

According to the Italian Federation of Organic Agriculture FederBio, there are more than 70,000 organic farms in the country that produce more than 20,000 types of certified organic products, and the area of such agricultural land in the country has increased by 79% over the past decade (to 2.1 million hectares). ), which puts Italy third in Europe after Spain (2.4 million hectares) and France (2.5 million hectares).

In terms of the percentage of organic land in the total agricultural area of the corresponding country, Italy is ahead of Spain (10.1%) and France (8.1%) with almost 16%. The EU average is 7.5%.

It is important to note that organic agriculture in Italy is integrated into a wide range of agro-industrial chains, including the cultivation of cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and many other products. This proves that organic production can be successfully diversified to meet the needs of a diverse range of markets and consumers.

In addition, Italy is actively promoting its organic products in international markets. Exports of organic products have increased significantly and account for a significant share of the country’s total agricultural exports. According to the largest farming association Coldiretti, the value of Italian organic food in 2021 reached 7.5 billion euros. Overall organic food sales have grown by 122% over the past 10 years.

One of the key factors for the success of organic agriculture in Italy is the active assistance of the state and the availability of effective support mechanisms. Government programs and financial incentives contribute to the development of organic farming by providing farmers with resources, knowledge and infrastructure.

Thus, in March 2022, the Italian Parliament approved a new law on the creation of the "Organic Made in Italy" label and a national strategy to support organic production throughout the agricultural sector.

The new law recognizes the unique role of organic production for the social development and environmental sustainability of the country. The document provides for the allocation of funds for research in the field of organic farming and support for new strategic agreements between producers.

The further development of organic food production will also be supported through a special financing instrument, the funds of which will come from a two percent "pollution tax" levied on companies authorized to sell environmentally harmful phytosanitary products.

Thus, the current state of organic agriculture in Italy reflects the successful combination of innovative methods and government support.

In turn, agriculture is an important sector of the economy of Uzbekistan and has a significant impact on increasing the income of the population, creating jobs and ensuring food security in the country (49% of the country’s population or 17.7 million people live in rural areas).

In the period 2017-2022, the economy of Uzbekistan saw a gradual decrease in the share of the agricultural sector (from 32% to 25%), but despite this, the industry achieved steady growth in production. Over the past 6 years, the volume of agricultural production has increased by 16% (+2.5%) and reached 365 trillion soums, and investments in this area amounted to 8.5 billion US dollars.

In 2022, this sector accounted for 25% of the gross domestic product, 7% of investments, 6% of export earnings and 25% of the employed population. The volume of exports of agricultural products reached 1.1 billion US dollars.

The introduction of a cluster system of agricultural production in our country has created the basis for significant positive changes in this area in a short period of time. In 2017, 2 agricultural clusters worked in Uzbekistan, and in 2022 their number reached 633. Today, there are 134 cotton-textile, 200 grain, 249 fruit and vegetable, 42 rice, 8 pharmaceutical clusters in the country.

In this regard, the development of organic agriculture is becoming an important strategic direction for Uzbekistan due to several key factors that emphasize its relevance and significance.

First, environmental sustainability. Uzbekistan faces problems of soil degradation, depletion of water resources and environmental pollution due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The introduction of organic agriculture helps to minimize the negative impact on the environment, contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural system.

Second, the economic benefit. The market for organic products is growing steadily both globally and domestically. The development of organic agriculture provides Uzbek farmers and agrarian enterprises with a chance to earn higher income by selling products at a higher price.

Third, export potential. The production of organic products is in demand on the world market. Uzbekistan, by developing organic agriculture, can become an exporter of high-quality organic goods, strengthening its position in the global economy.

Thus, the Italian experience in organic farming shows how environmental protection, social justice and cultural preservation can be combined in sustainable and professional food production.

Work in this direction for Uzbekistan will help diversify the food market and expand the country’s export potential. Given the rich agricultural heritage of Uzbekistan and the growing interest in healthy lifestyles and environmentally friendly products, the transition to organic agriculture can bring significant benefits at various levels and ensure the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

S. Rakhmatullaev

Leading Research Fellow, MICA