ASSOSEMENTI: 42,500 HECTARES DEDICATED TO VEGETABLE AND AROMATIC SEEDS IN 2024. ITALY STILL LEADER IN EUROPE

Bologna, November 24, 2025 – With 42,500 hectares earmarked for the propagation of vegetable and aromatic seeds in 2024, Italy confirms its European leadership in the sector. This is according to a survey by Assosementi, the association representing Italian seed companies and horticultural nurseries, which depicts a stable sector despite an increasingly complex production environment.

Radishes remain the most widely grown vegetable crop in 2024, covering 2,655 hectares, while chicory and radicchio continue their positive trend (2,319 hectares), recording a significant increase in acreage for the second consecutive year. Also noteworthy is the trend for onions (1,613 hectares) and peas (1,435 hectares), whose areas have seen a 75% increase from 2021 to 2024. On the other hand, mustard continues to decline, mainly due to reduced demand from Asian markets. In the aromatic herbs sector, coriander remains the leader, characterized by steady growth in the area under cultivation..

The regional dynamics remain unchanged: Emilia-Romagna ranks first with 14,112 hectares, followed by Puglia (10,474 hectares) and Marche (6,264 hectares). The performance of Molise (6,126 hectares) and Basilicata (1,279 hectares) also stands out, both up by more than 30%, confirming the growing interest in these products.

“The data emerging from our analysis further confirms the solidity of the horticultural sector,” said Nicola Santini, President of the Vegetable Crops Section. “The stability of the areas cultivated in recent years and the continuous growth of aromatic crops demonstrate the value of our companies, which are capable of maintaining high quality standards and responding to the demands of international markets.”

“We must not forget that these results were achieved in a context of growing difficulties. The 2024 season was marked by extreme weather conditions—persistent rainfall in the north and drought in the south—compounded by growing phytosanitary issues, with emerging pathogens and new exemption requests from importing countries, while the number of active ingredients available for crop protection continues to decline,” added Santini.

“In this scenario, innovation in genetic improvement is a decisive factor,” continues Santini, “because it accelerates the selection of varieties that are more resistant to climate change and phytosanitary emergencies, offering concrete solutions to the difficulties facing the sector. However, in order for this potential to translate into real benefits for the entire supply chain, it is essential that institutions guarantee a clear regulatory framework capable of supporting research and ensuring full access to innovation,” concluded Santini.

Ranking of the top 10 horticultural species

Total of cultivated surfaces (in hectares)

The results of the survey are available on the Assosementi website www.sementi.it

ASSOSEMENTI – Italian Association of Seed Producers and Nursery Growers – is a trade association representing the seed and horticultural sectors at national level. It includes plant breeders, seed producers and distributors, and horticultural nurseries. Assosementi is a member of Euroseeds, the European seed association, and ISF, the International Seed Federation.

Source:   www.sementi.it