Permanent meadows in Lombardy: crisis of sustainable agriculture

Recently, during the Agroecology and Biodiversity Forum organized by Legambiente Lombardia, a concerning situation regarding permanent meadows in the region has emerged. Over the past ten years, it is estimated that more than 40,000 hectares of forage meadows have been lost, a phenomenon linked to the increasing spread of intensive farming practices. This change not only threatens the historical legacy of sustainable agriculture, but also has significant environmental consequences, as permanent meadows substantially contribute to biodiversity and soil health. The loss of these meadows has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to those produced by approximately 400,000 cars annually in Lombardy. The situation is further exacerbated by the abandonment of traditional mountain grazing practices, thereby contributing to the deterioration of the regional agricultural environment. With the approval of a new law for the protection of permanent meadows last July, hopes are high for preserving this fundamental heritage of Lombard agriculture, but it remains to be seen whether these measures will be effective in countering the rapid disappearance of these vital ecosystems. Italian Version