jun 1, 1925 - Battle for Grain

Description:

economic policy to increase Italy's cereal production,
lasted over a long period of time

aims:
- boost cereal production
- self-sufficiency in food production (partly i preperation for war)
- reduce the trade deficit
- show Italy is a major power

means:
- tariffs on imported grain
- new marginal land used (land that was expenisve to farm)
- gov grants to farmers => farmers buy machinery, fertilisers

effect:
- 1922-39 cereal production doubles
- other agriculture (animals, viticulture) declines
- 1925-35 wheat imports fall by 75%
- by 1940 Italy almost self-sufficient in cereals
- Italy never self-sufficient in fertilisers
- raised cost of bread in Italy
- diet quality decline (more homogenous)
- grain producers benefit (esp. inefficient southern landowners)
- meat, egg imports increase
- during the war cereal production falls bc fertilisers imports fall

Overall:
propaganda success,
limited economic success,
limited benefit for Italian consumers,
big benefit for grain Italian grain farmers,
harmful to Italian non-grain farmers

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