Agribusinesses and Agroenergy: A Model of Change in Agriculture

Energy production through biomass valorization seems to find favor with the most recent energy policies: in order to reach a sustainable balance between production and energy use the agriculture seems to play an important role.

The use of biomass for energy valorization, indeed, could be further increased and meets different needs: it alleviates energy dependence, propels the technological innovation of companies and rural areas, and promotes the multifunctional nature of modern agriculture. Nevertheless these dynamics generate a debate about the use of agricultural lands and crops for energy purpose and, finally, the same concept of agribusiness seem to be under evolution: a summary about the Italian legislative scenario on the agribusiness's concept shows how relations between energy and agriculture is extending the traditional scope and definitions of agribusiness and possible criticisms arising.