Who Gets the Land? Exploring the Competition Between Agriculture and Bioenergy

The growing global demand for energy and the urgency to mitigate climate change are intensifying land competition between food production and bioenergy crops. Within the EU, bioenergy is a key component of the low-carbon transition, supported by policies such as the Renewable Energy Directive, the Carbon Farming Regulation, and the CAP 2023–2027. This study investigates the determinants of land allocation to bioenergy crops in Lombardy (Italy), a region characterized by high agricultural productivity and limited arable land. Using a municipal-level panel dataset from 2015 to 2021, a linear regression model explores how socio-economic variables influence land use decisions. Preliminary findings suggest that livestock activity, policy incentives, and land value significantly affect bioenergy crop adoption. The results contribute to understanding land use dynamics in the context of renewable energy expansion and provide policy-relevant insights for balancing food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability.