The environmental impact of industrial agriculture: analysis of the farms' engagement in sustainable practices in Bergamo, Italy

This thesis addresses the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, exploring the considerable role that it plays in food production nowadays and its direct and indirect consequences on each component of the environment as well as adverse effects on human health. A specific focus was brought onto agricultural companies in Bergamo, Italy, examining both crop and animal production companies in the city. The research investigates the companies’ spatial and production attributes, besides their engagement in sustainability practices. Data for the analysis have been collected from national government sources and semi-structured interviews with a sample of companies. The findings demonstrate the need for implementing sustainable agricultural practices in order to mitigate its detrimental effects on the environment while maintaining the economic viability of agricultural companies. Moreover, the research reveals no significant relationship between the level of sustainability and the type of production, besides a higher engagement in sustainable practices among mixed farming companies, and it notes a higher involvement in sustainable initiatives focused on the environment rather than society. Finally, the study highlights the need for more comprehensive incentives as well as raising awareness regarding sustainable agriculture.