(ANSA) - ROME - After the sharp slowdown in 2020 caused by the pandemic, in 2021 the price of land started to rise again by 1.1%, in conjunction with the 30% increase in trading activity, although the real value of the land stock continues to decrease by 12% compared to 2010;
this is due to a significantly higher inflation rate than in recent years (+ 1.9% in 2021).
This is the picture that emerges from the survey on the land market by the researchers of the Crea Politiche e Bioeconomy with the support of Conaf, Council of the Order of Agronomists and Foresters.
The increase in agricultural land recorded in 2021 is mainly driven by the North West, North East and the lowland areas, with an average national price of almost 21,000 per hectare, albeit with evident differences between the North East (42,300 euros) and the North. West (€ 29,100) and the rest of Italy (€ 15,000).
Credit for the purchase of agricultural properties, according to the Bank of Italy, only partially recovered from the fall of 42% in 2020, recording an increase of 14%.
As regards the CAP reform, no particular effects are reported, despite the progressive convergence of direct income aid which should reward marginal areas to the detriment of the more fertile plains.
The insecurity of the international economy also weighs on the land market, which does not make it clear whether the demand for land will increase or decrease in the future.
In general, with the exception of areas where agriculture is not very profitable, the rental market continues to prevail, especially in lowland areas, with stable rents.
According to the Istat Agricultural Census 2020, the agricultural area rented has increased by 27% compared to the previous one in 2010, with 50% cultivated with lease contracts (5 million hectares) and free loan (1.2 million hectares) .
The effects of the CAP on the rental market are still linked to the transition phase, with the limited duration of the contracts.
(HANDLE).