Agribusiness in Italy: sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector

The agribusiness sector includes all activities and enterprises involved in farming, breeding, industrial processing, selling and distributing agricultural products. Companies that provide services and tools to the district, such as machinery or chemicals, are also part of the sector.

In Italy, the agricultural sector alone is a key component of the national economy. The Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) 2024 data show the value to be over Euro 42 billion, an increase of 9 percent from the previous year.

Integrated agribusiness consulting

Precisely because of the varied nature of an industry that is regulated by specific rules, both at EU level and at national level, often being updated, operators may need professional support to juggle directives, incentives and compliance.

Andersen’s specialists, who are experts in tax, legal and corporate finance issues, assist Italian and international companies operating in the agribusiness sector, providing qualified, personalized consulting. Our professionals provide numerous services, including working on extraordinary transactions, commercial contracting, corporate finance and debt restructuring, internationalization, legal and tax litigation, labor law, corporate governance, and tax planning. We ensure special focus on registering trademarks and protecting intellectual property rights that are part of the company’s intangible assets.

The firm proactively offers timely solutions to issues of an often complex nature. Due to our extensive experience in the field, we can intercept our clients’ needs, engaging in constant open dialogue, also involving them in conferences and meetings where they can tell us about the specific characteristics of their businesses.

International approach and growth strategies

Through our relationships with Andersen Global firms around the world, our professionals support agribusiness clients in managing overseas interests for trade agreements that meet the regulations of different jurisdictions. Using our in-depth knowledge of the markets and the challenges associated with relocating primary production, we guide companies toward new opportunities for sustainable development and growth.

Through our comprehensive and integrated offering of tax, legal, and financial services, Andersen acts as a strategic partner before acting as a consultant, fostering competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. The Firm’s interdisciplinary approach fosters active dialogue and discussion with experienced professionals from various fields, from manufacturing to technology, creating winning innovative synergies.

Andersen professionals in agribusiness

Business-oriented approach: Andersen offers flexible and timely solutions to meet business needs in the agricultural sector, flexibly responding to customer requirements.

Specialized skills: established experience in extraordinary transactions and structured finance in the agricultural and agribusiness sector, supporting M&A and complex restructurings.

Continuous updating on regulations: constant monitoring of Italian, European and international regulations, specifically the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and General Food Law, to ensure that our solutions are always compliant and up-to-date.

Institutional relations: a network of strategic links in Europe and at Italy to support agricultural businesses in global challenges and foster their growth and internationalization.

Integrated support for the Agribusiness industry: tax, legal and financial services

M&A and extraordinary operations in agribusiness

Aware of the complexity of M&A transactions, Andersen has structured its business to provide a one-stop-shop solution, offering financial, legal, and tax expertise to support every stage of transactions: deal origination, negotiation of terms and conditions and business valuation, deal structuring and tax planning, all the necessary due diligence (tax, legal, financial and ESG), debt advisory and financial planning, assistance with pre- and post-closing contractual arrangements, design of dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms, and ongoing support and assistance in post-merger integration (from the standardization of tax policies and reporting systems to labor law).

Sustainability and ESG for Agribusiness: solutions for the future

The professionals of the department ESG for Sustainable Innovation support companies by providing targeted consultancy focused on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges typical of the sector.

Services offered include drafting sustainability reports and non-financial statements, legislative and regulatory compliance with a focus on agricultural and environmental regulations, ESG due diligence for M&A transactions and agribusiness supply chain investments, risk analysis and CSRD compliance related to agricultural production and the food supply chain, sustainable finance for regenerative and organic agriculture projects, corporate welfare management systems (working with business partner labor consultants), and transformation of companies into Benefit Corporations, enhancing sustainable and responsible practices in the industry.

Tax: Tax and regulatory consultancy for the agricultural sector

The agri-food sector is subject to specific tax laws and regulations. We deal with corporate and international taxation, assist clients in tax litigation, and support them in searching for and obtaining financing and agricultural funds aimed at growth and development. We facilitate import-export processes through specialized consultancy on VAT, indirect taxes and customs.

Legal services for Agribusiness: contracts, compliance and intellectual property

Our attorneys draft and negotiate B2B and B2C commercial contracts nationally and internationally, including joint ventures and supply and distribution agreements, as well as managing business cases along the agri-food chain, so as to provide assistance throughout all stages of the distribution chain: from producer to final consumer.

They assist companies in issues involving food legislation, such as regulatory compliance, labeling and management of health and nutritional claims, protection of “Made in” claims and distinctive signs, the fight against counterfeiting and commercial fraud, assistance related to marks of origin (PDO, PGI, GI and TSG) and protection of registered trademarks and support for technological innovation, health, safety and traceability of food.

Corporate finance advisory: strategic support for agribusiness

The business unit specializing in corporate finance offers industry-dedicated services, supporting agricultural, agri-food and agribusiness supply chain companies in complex financial transactions. With established expertise in valuation, due diligence, debt restructuring and more, we stand by our clients in developing and growing their businesses.

Agribusiness growth: the sector attracting young entrepreneurs

In contrast to other economic areas, the number of young farmers (under 30) in Italy has grown by 12.8 percent over the past decade, while there has been an average decline of 25.2 percent in other economic areas. A focus on food, wellness and nutrition has led to the development of new production companies in the sector, which is not limited to agriculture alone but involves various aspects, including services.

This increase is favored by European and Italian legislation that provides incentives for young agricultural entrepreneurs and for the start-up of agricultural businesses in terms of tax breaks, as well as through more favorable regulatory provisions.

Compared to the past, farms run by young entrepreneurs have profoundly innovated the role of the farmer, introducing multi functional activities ranging from processing and directly selling products to creating educational farms and kindergarten farms.