The Report “The digital transition of Italian meat supply chains” was presented to the Senate, on the initiative of Senator Antonio De Poli. This is the first Italian study to analyze in detail the impact of digital technologies in the meat production sector. During the meeting, the Smart Meat 2030 Manifesto – Sustainable Management and Advanced Responsible Technologies for Meat Ecosystems and Agri-food Tracking – aimed at promoting digital sustainability in the Italian livestock sector, was disclosed and signed by the institutions present.
The Smart Meat 2030 Manifesto, created following research by the Foundation for Digital Sustainability with the support of the Carni Sostenibili study center, aims to guide companies in the livestock sector towards the 2030 European sustainability objectives. The Manifesto includes ten main points outlining a path of awareness and action on crucial issues for the digital transition of meat supply chains.
The livestock sector in Italy is a fundamental component of the agricultural economy. It includes 166,460 livestock companies employing approximately 513,000 workers. The distribution of these companies is dominated by the cattle sector, followed by the pig and poultry sectors. The Foundation for Digital Sustainability study shows that only 15% of the smallest Italian livestock farms are digitalized, while the percentage rises to 71.6% for the largest farms with more than one hundred adult animals. This disparity between small and large companies in technological adoption is a critical element in the digitalization of the supply chain.
The adoption of digital technologies in the livestock sector brings various improvements in efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare. Advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and telemetry allow real-time monitoring of animal health and environmental conditions. Precision technologies in resource management reduce waste and improve livestock growth and health. Blockchain and Distributed Ledger technologies enhance product traceability and transparency. Data-based management systems optimize production processes and reduce operating costs. Environmental sustainability is increased through technologies that minimize environmental impact and help companies comply with regulations.
The digital transition represents a significant transformation for the livestock sector, with the potential for substantial benefits in various aspects of operation and sustainability. Adopting digital technologies can lead to increased efficiency, improved sustainability, and enhanced welfare in the meat supply chain. Efforts like the Smart Meat 2030 Manifesto aim to guide companies towards embracing digital sustainability and achieving European sustainability objectives by the year 2030.
Signing of the Smart Meat 2030 Manifesto for the Livestock Sector
