Prices, Hundreds: “speculation along the agri-food chain, not just inflation ‘

The explosion in the prices of raw materials and food products, also certified by Istat, “is partly due to inflation that is approaching the somewhat expected double-digit but also on the basis of speculations in progress, and not only after the war in Ukraine “. This is what the undersecretary for agricultural policies Gian Marco Centinaio affirms, commenting with Adnkronos on the situation of expensive raw materials and food in this period. “With regard to wheat, we already knew from September-October that there would be a challenging 2022 due to a price increase, – explains Centinaio – but I am convinced that we have agri-food supply chains where, however, a part of the supply chain is doing a bit of speculation. and it is not the agricultural part. For example, in the cured meats chain already in the second ring, I understand that there are speculations taking place “. As for the difficulties on raw materials such as cereals and oil seeds that were imported from the areas affected by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict Hundred reports that “at the moment we have the biggest problem with sunflower seeds and corn, for both crops we have the possibility of increasing the number of hectares in Italy has been opened and we are registering an important return because many are telling us that they have started growing corn and sunflowers, especially in the Po Valley and in some areas of Umbria “he reports on the decision of the European Commission to authorize the extension of agricultural area for Italy by another 200 thousand hectares of fallow land. “We have positive feedback, – he concludes – the trade associations have confirmed it to me”. Among other problems, the undersecretary of Mipaaf speaks of a real emergency for the world of wine “regarding the increase in costs and also the availability of materials such as glass, wood, corks, cardboard and paper (packaging). “It is a real emergency for the world of wine that was reported to me at Vinitaly”. “The work I would like to do is to understand if the ceiling of 15 million euros still available for wine can be used for this purpose, to help companies in this regard. After Easter I will meet the trade associations to see how to use them “announces Centinaio.