Global sustainbility

Abdullah Almuayli

Assignment #2

GGH120

11/2/15

Agriculture in Italy

Agriculture in Italy has greatly diversified regarding its main characteristics. The area between Alpine and Apennine as well as those of the central, northern and southern parts of the country are the ones that have experienced this diversity to a great extent. The diversification ranges from intensive and high productivity farming of the regions in the northern to a situation that is extremely marginal in the mountain zones as well as the southern parts of the country. The country has a total land of 10.9 million ha. The top five crops that are produced in the country include tomatoes, sugar beets, wheat, potatoes and oranges. These crops are mainly produced for domestic consumption (Alkon & Agyeman, 2011).

In the recent years, the Italian recession had decreased significantly in the global trade volumes. The country’s export had decreased to a great extent. However, the economy of the country remained relatively strong as it remained top ten in world’s leading countries in export volumes. The main crops grown for export are fruits and vegetables such as apples, barley, wine grapes, corn and olive oil. Its exports to Germany are worth $ 47 904 million. In France, the exports are $ 43 462. In the United States, the country exports $ 27,687 while in Spain it is worth $ 27,687.

In the year 2014, Italy had imported item amounting to US 472.5 billion. This was a reduction as compared to her imports in the year 2010 by $ 77.5 billion the top most imports from Italy include; coffee spices and tea by $ 186.9 million from India. Fruits and nuts by $ 685.6 are imported from Spain. Dairy eggs and honey by $ 217.3 are also imported from Poland and fish by $ 57. 2 million imports from Indonesia.

There have been various effects of agriculture in Italy. Because of these impacts on the environment, the public and various individuals should come together and find out measures to reduce these effects. Serious environmental issues that are related to the production of food in Italy include pollution of water, change in the climate, and scarcity of water, degradation of the soil and eutrophication of various water bodies. Apart from these effects, there have also been concerns about loss of biodiversity and habitats. Consumption of food is as well associated with the bulk usage of global water in Italy and it as well responsible for the generation of around one-fifth of the greenhouse gas emissions (Hester & Harrison, 2012).

Because as a result of diversification of agriculture in the country there has been growing and raising population, there has been increased demand for food, energy and water. This comprises of sustainable usage of natural resources that could exacerbate geopolitical and social tensions.

Conclusion

The main effects of agriculture in Italy mainly arise from the primary production stage. Agriculture has remained to be the main source of environmental effects due to the usage of land and degradation of soil, consumption of water pollution and eutrophication. Monocultures also cause loss of biodiversity and introduce hazardous chemicals mainly as a result of synthetic mineral fertilizers and pesticides. According to the research on the environmental impact of organic production, organic farming produces uses less energy and has a clear biodiversity benefit on agricultural land. Agriculture in Italy has got a significant impact on the economy.

Reference

Alkon, A. H., & Agyeman, J. (2011). Cultivating food justice: Race, class, and sustainability. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.

Hester, R. E., & Harrison, R. M. (2012). Environmental impacts of modern agriculture. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry.

Ashraf, M. (2012). Crop production for agricultural improvement. Dordrecht [etc.: Springer.

Costantini, E. A. C., & Dazzi, C. (2013). The soils of Italy. Dordrecht: Springer.