Italian agriculture leads Europe in terms of added value, according to a new Nomisma survey presented on Wednesday.
The study shows that Italy has become the EU’s top performer by combining traditional farming with diversified activities. These include agritourism, direct sales, and renewable energy production. This model has helped Italian farms overcome the structural limits of small business sizes and generate higher economic returns.
Nomisma will present the full survey at Fieragricola, held at Veronafiere from February 4 to 7. Research director Denis Pantini outlined the main findings at a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Although Italy’s overall agricultural production remains lower than that of France and Germany, the country produces more added value. Italy records annual production of around €72 billion, compared with €90 billion in France and €76 billion in Germany. However, Italy leads in added value, with an average of over €41 billion in 2024–2025. France and Germany both stand at around €32 billion.
The gap becomes even clearer when measured per hectare. Italy generates almost €3,500 in added value per hectare. Germany follows with €1,900, Spain with €1,730, and France with €1,200. Nomisma analysts link this performance to the efficient use of land and a stronger focus on quality.
Pantini said Italian companies have moved beyond “mere” primary production by integrating value-added activities. This approach has transformed agriculture into a multifunctional sector.
Support services and secondary activities now represent almost 20% of the total value of Italian agricultural production. Agritourism, renewable energy, and direct sales play a central role in this growth. No other European country records a similar share.
Italy also leads in quality-linked production. PDO and PGI supply chains, which reflect strong regional identities, currently generate almost €21 billion in value. This figure rose by 25% between 2020 and 2024, confirming Italy’s position as the EU leader in certified food and agricultural products.
