Marche region allocates 40 million euros to modernize and boost sustainability in agriculture

The Marche region in central Italy has announced that 458 agricultural companies will receive financial support to modernize their operations and improve sustainability. The regional government has allocated a total of 40 million euros for this initiative, which is part of the Rural Development Complement 2023-2027. The official ranking of companies selected for the funding was published this week.

The program aims to strengthen the competitiveness of local agriculture, enhance environmental sustainability, and promote animal welfare. The funding package includes two main measures: one focused on increasing efficiency and profitability for farms, and another dedicated to supporting investments that respect the environment and animal welfare standards.

The Department of Agriculture decided to increase the available funds by an additional 12 million euros, bringing the total budget to 40 million euros. This increase allowed almost all eligible applications to be funded. The mechanism of co-financing means that the total value of investments activated by this package will reach approximately 85 million euros.

Andrea Maria Antonini, the regional councilor for agriculture, said that Marche’s agriculture continues to play a leading role in the region’s economic and sustainable development. He noted that the strong response from local businesses shows both vitality and a desire for innovation, as well as a growing awareness of the importance of investing in competitiveness and sustainability. Antonini emphasized that the increased funding is a concrete sign of confidence in the sector, supporting a modern agriculture that balances tradition with innovation, productivity with environmental respect.

The interventions are designed to help agricultural companies improve their performance in economic, environmental, and climate-related areas. Among the sectors represented in the program, wine production stands out for both the number of applications submitted and the level of financial commitment involved.

The announcement comes at a time when many European regions are seeking ways to make their agricultural sectors more resilient and environmentally friendly. The Marche region’s approach combines public investment with private initiative, aiming to ensure that local agriculture remains competitive while meeting new sustainability standards. The projects supported by this funding are expected to have a significant impact on both the regional economy and the environment over the coming years.