Perspectives on risk management as climate change adaptation measure in Italian agriculture

摘要

In recent years, economic risk management tools in agriculture have been the subject of a renewed interest and profound evolution, not only for the their increasing diffusion in national policies in support to agriculture but also in relation to the important role that they could have in adapting agriculture to climate change. This is because all scenarios currently taking shape show an increase of volatility in climate conditions and extreme events. In addition, agriculture is indeed the most exposed and vulnerable sector to such volatility. Mediterranean and Italian agriculture is particularly fragile in relation also to the wide variety of ecosystems, microclimates and environmental conditions, as well as the variety of agricultural production based on the quality and territorial specificity of its products.The contribution that economic tools for risk management can bring in this context is related in particular to their flexibility and adaptability to farm needs. In order to be effective, these tools need strong integration in a wider framework of policies and actions on climate change adaptation. Moreover, it is crucial that, when designing these tools, consistency with other key agricultural objectives is ensured, most notably food security and environmental sustainability. Starting from an analysis oftools currently in use at international level and taking into consideration the Italian experience in risk management at national level (the National Solidarity Fund), this paper aims at highlighting both the potential and limitations of risk managementtools in the context of climate adaptation and possible or necessary policies and future directions.