Title:
Socio-Economic Aspects of Biomass Production within Ecological Focus Areas in Italy
Author(s):
Coaloa, D., Facciotto, G.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The actual novelty of the CAP for 2014-2020 is the introduction of greening payments, as provided for in Regulation No. 1307/2013. Farmers owning over 15 hectares of arable crops, to be entitled to greening payment on top of the basic payment, are expected to apply three agricultural practices, deemed beneficial for the climate and the environment: crop diversification, maintenance of permanent grassland and establishment of ecological focus areas (EFA). Among the typical EFA that might generate biomass, in this work we considered hedges, buffer strips and short rotation coppice (SRC). The agricultural areas liable to be converted, in particular to SRC and buffer strips, so as to meet the greening requirements amount to hundreds of thousands of hectares, and may produce more than one million tons per year of energy biomass for direct use within the farm or in short chains for medium power plants. This study aims to evaluate the social impact of the new organization required of farms to adapt to the structural as well as professional changes needed. Indicators of labour and new equipment use are taken into account. In addition to the traditional production of cereal crops and livestock, the farms will produce wood and will consequently adopt new methods of energy supply and use, besides improving both landscape and biodiversity. The economic considerations relating to the production of biomass in SRC are connected to the results of the Suscace and Faesi programs.
Keywords:
biomass, common agricultural policy (cap), SRF, economical aspects
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Biomass strategies and policies
Event:
24th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4AV.3.24
Pages:
1564 - 1566
ISBN:
978-88-89407-165
Paper DOI:
10.5071/24thEUBCE2016-4AV.3.24
Price:
FREE
