Battle for Grain:
1. Mussolini did not concern himself with the underlying problems for Italian agriculture. These were the existence of a sizable class of poor, land-hungry peasants + the use of backward, inefficient farming methods.
2. Like with industry, Mussolini focused on projects that would either increase his power and prestige or supposedly help Italy become a self-sufficient state in case of war.
3. His first major scheme was the ‘Battle for Grain’.
Battle for Grain:
1. The ‘Battle for Grain’ began in 1925. It was an attempt to promote Fascist power and national self-sufficiency.
2. Traditionally, Italy needed to import large quantities of grain to feed its people. Mussolini saw this as a grave weakness, believing that in times of war supplies could be cut off and the country would face starvation.
3. A campaign to increase grain production would solve this problem and also show the world how dynamic the new Fascist state was.
4. The government offered grants to enable farmers to buy tractors, fertiliser, and other machinery necessary for wheat production.
5. Free advice was made available on the latest farming techniques.
6. Farmers were guaranteed a high price on the grain they produced.
7. The incentives worked, wheat production rose from 5.5 million tonnes per year in the early 1920s, to over 7 million tonnes 10 years later. Grain imports declined sharply by 75% between 1925 and 1935. The ‘Battle for Grain’ appeared to be a resounding success.
8. Mussolini claimed the credit. He ensured that photographers recorded him helping out in the harvest. He wanted to show that the ‘Battle for Grain’ was his genius idea and that he was also prepared to get his hands filthy - a true leader of his people.
9. However, whilst the ‘Battle for Grain’ had certainly increased production and helped farmers, there had been a large price to be paid. Much of the land in the central and southern regions of Italy that had been turned over to wheat was unsuitable. The soil conditions and much hotter, drier climate were better suited for the growing of citrus fruits and the production of wine and olive oil. The result was that these traditional agricultural exports declined.