A framework agreement for the 2026 processing tomato campaign in Northern Italy has been approved, marking a key milestone for the organization of the supply chain ahead of the transplanting season.
The deal was reached between the agricultural and industrial components of the sector, ensuring alignment before field operations begin. The announcement was made by the Interprofessional Organization (OI) of Northern Italy’s processing tomato sector, which welcomed the outcome of the negotiations despite not taking part directly in the agreement’s definition, as required by current regulations.
OPERATIONAL AND PRICING BENCHMARKS
The document establishes the main contractual parameters for the 2026 campaign, clearly defining production and delivery methods, quality standards for raw materials, and reference economic valuation.
The agreement is a carefully negotiated balance between often diverging interests across the supply chain. Its dual goal is to safeguard farmers’ income while ensuring the economic sustainability of processing companies.
COST PRESSURES AND GLOBAL COMPETITION
Negotiations took place against a particularly challenging backdrop. Farmers are facing rising production costs driven by geopolitical developments, increasing climate risk, and the need for ongoing investment in environmental sustainability.
At the same time, the processing industry must maintain its competitiveness in international markets, where it competes with large-scale global operators that often benefit from less stringent regulations and lower energy costs.
“This result once again demonstrates that collaboration and dialogue between producer organizations and processing companies are fundamental tools to address current and future challenges,” said Giuseppe Romanini, President of the OI.
Marco Serafini, President of Anicav (Italian National Association of Vegetable Canning Manufacturers), emphasized the importance of unity: “In a difficult international scenario, cohesion is the only response for such an important supply chain. We also hope for an agreement in Central and Southern Italy.”
NEXT STEPS IN IMPLEMENTATION
The OI will formally sign the agreement for acknowledgment and will play a key operational role in its implementation. This includes collecting supply contracts signed between the parties by April 20 and verifying their compliance with the framework agreement provisions.
With the 2026 campaign now under a structured framework, the sector aims to navigate economic uncertainty while reinforcing coordination across the value chain.
L’articolo Northern Italy’s Processing Tomato Sector Reaches 2026 Framework Agreement proviene da Italianfood.net.