(photo by Francesco Ammendola – Office for Press and Communication of the Presidency of the Republic)
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, made this statement during his speech in Rome at the 44th Forum on the Culture of Olive Oil and Wine organized by the Italian Sommelier Foundation. “Producing for self-consumption would take Italy back to agriculture of the early 20th century” – he added. “Legitimate concerns have been expressed by producer associations regarding the fate of exports. Measures like those being threatened would further stimulate the so-called ‘Italian sounding’ products, resulting in additional consequences for Italian production chains, as it is hard to imagine that consumers in other continents would easily give up the tastes they have learned to enjoy. Trade and interdependence are elements that ensure peace. Historically, hostilities between markets have led to more severe forms of conflict. Open markets create a complex network of collaborations that, in mutual interest, safeguard peace.”
– Photo courtesy of the Quirinale Press Office –
