Four years of Regional Law 21/2021: Sicily cultivating the future
Four years of Regional Law 21/2021: Sicily cultivating the future
Palermo, July 29, 2025 – Today marks the fourth anniversary of Regional Law No. 21 of July 29, 2021, a legislative text that marked a historic turning point for Sicilian agriculture. This highly innovative measure focused on the agroecological transition, the protection of agricultural biodiversity, the promotion of typical Sicilian products, and the introduction of sustainable technologies in agriculture.
A pioneering law for Sicily and Italy –
Regional Law 21/2021 was the first Italian regional law to formally recognize agroecology as a strategic approach to agriculture, establishing itself as a national and European benchmark. The law provided concrete tools to support farms in the ecological transition, protect native species and breeds, and revitalize Sicily’s role as the custodian of a healthy, innovative, and distinctive agriculture.
Four Years of Concrete Results –
Over these four years, the law’s implementation has produced tangible and measurable results that are changing the face of Sicilian agriculture:
Numerous agroecological pilot projects funded in all provinces, with the direct involvement of farmers, researchers, and local communities.
Agroecological biodistricts have been established, some of which are already recognized (such as the Valle dei Templi Agroecological Biodistrict), which today cover tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land, promoting sustainable, organic, and locally-based production models.
Municipalities have established protocols for the Agroecological Transition, such as the Municipality of Noto, with others on the way.
Rewarded in the PSP 2023-2027 calls for proposals.
Last but not least, the 1st Mediterranean Agroecology Congress (AEMED 2025), which positioned Sicily as a leader in supporting the agroecological transition of the 23 Mediterranean countries.
A cultural revolution –
Regional Law 21/2021 also had a profound cultural impact: it brought agriculture back to the center of public debate, reaffirming that producing food is not only an economic act, but also a social, ecological, and political one.
A new collective awareness has emerged: that the environmental quality of Sicily is inseparable from the quality of its agriculture, and that investing in biodiversity and farming knowledge means protecting the future of future generations.
Challenges for the future –
Four years after its approval, Regional Law 21/2021 looks to the future with a clear agenda:
Expand the number of biodistricts, especially in inland areas and in areas affected by depopulation.
Strengthen training and technical assistance for farmers, technicians, and young people who want to start agroecological businesses.
Improve market access for agroecological products by promoting short supply chains, community cooperatives, and digital traceability tools.
Integrating regional climate strategies with agricultural policies, making agroecology a cornerstone of Sicilian resilience to climate change.
Conclusion: an anniversary that smells of good soil –
The fourth anniversary of Regional Law 21/2021 is much more than a mere anniversary: it confirms that Sicily has chosen a different agricultural model, based on respect for the environment, valorization of roots, openness to innovation, and social justice.
In an era marked by climate crisis, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss, the Sicilian Region has built a courageous and alternative vision. And this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate those who work the land every day with respect, care, and intelligence.
Happy birthday, Regional Law 21/2021. Let’s continue cultivating the future.
Valentina Palmeri
Guido Bissanti