Lazio allocates 130 thousand euros for the agricultural use of mountain areas

The Lazio Region is providing funding of 130,000 euros in 2026 and 250,000 euros in each of the years 2027 and 2028 for grants for the purchase and cultivation of agricultural land in mountain areas. This is established by regional law no. 6 of March 2, 2026 (“Grants to encourage the agricultural use of mountain areas”), promulgated by President ROCCA and published in the Official Gazette of November 7, 2026, 3rd Special Series, no. 43, with reference 26R00227.

The law, approved by the Regional Council of Lazio and already disseminated in the Official Bulletin of the Lazio Region no. 18 of March 3, 2026, links to Article 44, second paragraph, of the Constitution and Article 8, paragraph 3, of the regional statute. The stated objective is to encourage the agricultural use of mountain areas “in order to avoid their abandonment, prevent natural disasters and promote the economic development of the territories and local products,” recognizing the strategic role of mountains for the environment, biodiversity, soil protection, and the cohesion of local communities.

There are two channels of support: notary fees for the purchase of agricultural land or buildings and the cultivation of fruit-bearing tree species. The geographical perimeter is that of “totally mountainous areas” delimited pursuant to Council Directive 75/268/EEC of April 28, 1975.

Notary fees, from 500 to 2,500 euros

The first grant covers the total expenses incurred for notary fees relating to the purchase of land or buildings intended for agricultural use, with a minimum of 500 euros and a maximum of 2,500 euros. For land, a surface area of no less than 2,500 square meters is required. Eligible applicants are natural or legal persons, with priority given to agricultural businesses located in the mountains; further preference criteria are:

• individuals under the age of forty;
• farmers in an associated form;
• individuals purchasing land with a larger surface area.

Tree crops, from 150 to 600 euros

The second grant supports the cultivation of fruit-bearing tree species on agricultural land in totally mountainous areas, with a minimum surface area of 1,000 square meters and crops in good condition. Beneficiaries are those who, not being agricultural entrepreneurs, manage the land through ownership or lease. The amount ranges between 150 and 600 euros and is calculated according to two criteria:

• 10 euros for each olive, walnut, hazelnut, chestnut, and other fruit-bearing tree species cultivated on the land;
• 50 euros for every 1,000 square meters of surface area cultivated with table and wine grapes.

Resources, State aid, and implementation

The allocation for notary fees is 50,000 euros in 2026 and 100,000 euros for each year in 2027 and 2028; the allocation for tree crops is 80,000 euros in 2026 and 150,000 euros for each year in 2027 and 2028. Funding is provided by the reduction of the special fund of program 03 “Other funds” of mission 20 “Funds and provisions”.

Contributions are granted until resources are exhausted, according to the order in which applications are submitted, and may be combined. Within ninety days of entry into force, the Regional Executive must adopt a resolution establishing the criteria, priorities, required documentation, disbursement methods, and controls, as well as the grounds for revocation and recovery.

The law contains a safeguard clause on State aid: where the contribution falls under Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, authorization from the European Commission is required, and disbursement begins from the publication of the notice in the Regional Official Bulletin. An annual report from the Regional Executive to the council budget commission on objectives, resources used, and the number of beneficiaries is also required.

For agricultural businesses, young people under forty, and owners of small mountain plots, the measure opens a window with certain resources over the three-year period: the law has been in effect since March 4, 2026, but actual access remains subject to the implementing resolution of the Executive, which will determine the timing and application forms. The explicit priority given to younger people and associated forms effectively steers the ranking toward generational renewal in inland areas.

Source: Official Gazette of the Italian Republic, 3rd Special Series – Regional laws and regulations, no. 43 of November 7, 2026; regional law March 2, 2026, no. 6 of the Lazio Region (26R00227), published in the Official Bulletin of the Lazio Region no. 18 of March 3, 2026.