Lombardy Intensive Farming Faces Environmental Challenges and Calls for Transition

A new report by Economia e Sostenibilità – EStà highlights the environmental and economic impacts of intensive livestock farming in Lombardy, where over 5.2 million cattle and pigs are raised—about one animal for every two residents—representing 40% of Italy’s national livestock. The region has seen an 11% increase in dairy cattle over the past decade, with large-scale farms exceeding 500 animals becoming more common, particularly in Brescia, Mantova, and Cremona.

The study reports a 2.5% rise in greenhouse gas emissions from the sector between 2014 and 2021, alongside nitrogen overloads in 402 municipalities and high ammonia emissions contributing to PM2.5 formation. Economically, Lombardy exhibits low self-sufficiency in feed crops, with only 25% of maize and 13% of soy produced locally. The report advocates for reducing livestock numbers, improving animal welfare standards, and adopting agroecological practices, with the proposed Law 1760 seen as a key step toward sustainable transition.
Italian Version