2023 annual evaluation report of Apulia

The annual evaluation report is carried out within the framework of the independent evaluation service for the Puglia 2014-2022 RDP and covers the implementation period up to 2022.

The focus of the evaluation is on RD Priority 2, 4 and 5, with special attention to the competitiveness and environmental impacts. In addition, LEADER is also addressed in relation to the self-assessment of LAGs

The topics of the report are the evaluation of the trajectories of Apulian farms; an in-depth study on Measure 4.1 (investments in farm) beneficiaries, the evaluation of the concentration of agri-environmental interventions and the self-evaluation process of 23 Apulian LAGs.

A quantitative approach is used in the analysis of the effectiveness of agro-climatic-environmental and organic farming commitments. The evaluation criterion is the consistency of their spatial distribution with the different characteristics and 'needs' of intervention.

A qualitative approach is used for the analysis of business trajectories with the Delphi methodology and survey.

A quantity-quality approach is used to analyse Measure 4 beneficiaries. The analysis focuses on the trends of companies with respect to the competitiveness and market goals, as well as the environment and climate and the connection with the territory.

A qualitative approach is used in the self-evaluation process of the Apulian LAGs, using a LAG self-assessment questionnaire.

As evidenced by direct surveys on competitiveness and market objectives, beneficiaries tend to pursue diversification, production certification, innovation in production processes and the creation of points for direct farm sales. In the area of environment and climate, on the other hand, it was noted that there is a desire to improve their skills; with regard to connection with the territory, it was noted that there is a willingness to continue to push toward the promotion of their own productions and toward the coordinated offer of territorial products and services from a supply chain perspective.

The analysis of business trajectories shows that the clusters with the best economic performance and environmental sustainability are (from best to worst): cherry production, table grapes, horticulture, other fruit growing, intensive olive growing and wine grapes. On the other hand, those that show greater economic difficulties and/or pose a potential threat to the environment include dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goats, traditional olive growing and farms with other arable crops (legumes, grasses, etc.).

In relation to biodiversity, the analysis shows a high concentration of commitment in protected areas and Natura 2000 areas, where the ratio of area under commitment to utilised agricultural area is 30% and 31.56%, respectively, compared to the regional average of 21.4%. A high concentration of HNVs with high and very high values is also highlighted.

With regard to soil erosion, the concentration of measures in areas of non-tolerable erosion is particularly important for Measure 10.1.3. (conservation agriculture) 19.5% of the area committed to this action is located in the highest-risk areas, contributing effectively to reducing erosion.

Regarding the content of organic carbon in soils, areas with low organic carbon content (<=1%) are particularly important for Measure 10.1.3 (61.4%). Also important is the concentration in the areas of greatest need for Measure 10.1.2 (increasing organic matter in soils), at 46.2%, which had a specific priority for areas with low organic carbon content.