The pressure indicator reports the number and scale, and characteristics of authorized (field trials) of Genetically Modified Plants (GMPs) in Italy—pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC—since 1999. The indicator is populated using data produced by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security.

Field trials experienced a sharp decline by 2000, and no new trials were authorized from 2001 onward. The last ongoing trials, initially granted a multi-year authorizations, concluded in 2010.

Following the introduction of Law No 68 of 13th June 2023, 2 field trials involving genome-edited rice and grapevine—designed for pathogen resistance—were authorized in 2024.

The indicator describes ammonia (NH₃) emissions into the atmosphere produced by the agricultural sector, mainly due to livestock management and fertilizer use. It enables the assessment of the sector's contribution to total national emissions and the achievement of reduction targets. In 2023, the agriculture sector was responsible for the emission of 349.23 kt of NH₃ into the atmosphere, accounting for 91.4% of the national total. This represents an 18% reduction compared to 2005 levels, thereby making a significant contribution towards achieving the set target.

The trend in NH₃ emissions is consistent with the targets set by the Gothenburg Protocol and the National Emission Ceiling Directive (NEC Directive). 

The indicator describes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CH₄, N₂O, CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the agricultural sector, mainly due to livestock management and the use of fertilizers. It allows assessing the contribution of the sector to total national emissions and progress towards reduction targets. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have shown a decreasing trend since 1990; however, further reduction measures will be required to meet the commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and relevant EU Directives. 

In particular, for Italy, the 2030 target set by the Effort Sharing Regulation (2023/857/EC) corresponds to a 43.7% reduction in total GHG emissions from the agriculture, residential, transport, waste and non-ETS industrial sectors, compared with 2005 levels. 

In 2023, GHG emissions from agriculture accounted for 12.1% of total Effort Sharing sector emissions, while the reduction of agricultural GHG emissions compared with 2005 amounted to 8.6%

The information on the population of the main livestock species, extracted from the National Livestock Register (BDN) managed by the Ministry of Health through the National Service Centre (CSN) at the "G. Caporale" Institute in Teramo — which compiles data on livestock operators, holdings and individual animals, as reported by Veterinary Services and Breeders’ Associations — has been converted into LSU (Livestock Units) to allow for consistent assessment.
The recorded data indicate that in 2024 — the latest full year available for the main livestock species considered — there was an overall decrease in livestock numbers (expressed in Livestock Units - LSU) of 3.3% over the 2019–2024 period, and a 1.9% decline compared to 2023.
In detail, the largest percentage reduction in LSUs was observed in sheep and goat breeds, with a 16.7% decrease over the five-year period and a 6.4% drop in the most recent year.
The gradual decline in cattle numbers also continues (-3.9% over five years and -1.5% between 2023 and 2024), while buffalo numbers show a consistent increase (+9.1% over five years and +0.9% in the last year), confirming the trend toward replacement in livestock farming practices.