Page 203 - Supplemento 2-2016 (ENG)

Tackling Environmental Crime throUgh standardized Methodologies

This can be tangibly seen, almost like a math equation: every time we hit
illegality in the field of tax evasion, corruption or mafia business we regain
some wealth, income, resources which can then be used to have something
more and improve life in our community. Every time illegality is hit we move
one step ahead towards the solution of those socio-economic problems that
still trouble our communities. Tackling illegality is the key to a fair distribution
of resources and, as a result, to progress in the direction of social justice which
is the final aim of legality, of the observance of rules equal for everyone.

Legality is useful also in the food farming industry. A production chain
that in all its steps follows the rules is beneficial; it represents the way to obtain
food that is not only good but also healthy and fair, able to safeguard the inte-
rest of consumers (their health) and, at the same time, of virtuous economies.

This safeguard (i.e. the interest of consumers and of virtuous economies),
this food, good, healthy and fair, helps preserve also the environment. The
“good” agriculture looks after, defends and maintains the environment. The
real food sustainability combines with the territory and environment awareness.

From an economy point of view, nowadays food farming business goes
rather strong. It is more and more a supporting sector in our economy; it moves
274 bln Euro, provides employment for 2.5 mln people and is one of the main
engines in the growth of the national economy. Agriculture and industry, in
addition to trade and catering services, are more and more strictly connected.
Food farming has also become a resource for finance speculation.

The current legislation is, in all honesty, obsolete and inadequate: as such it
cannot keep up with the transnational and global dimension of the food farming
industry. If one balances costs versus benefits, the risk being faced by adopting
an illegal practice in the food farming business, compared to the high gains that
such behaviour can provide, then the conclusion goes in favour of the benefits.

It is clear that there is no “deterrence” through the punishment or
through sanctions provided for by the current legislation. If anything, taking
into account a perhaps not too drastic scenario, the inefficiency of the current
legislation may even have a crime generating effect: as, not only it doesn’t slow
down, but, in view of the small risks and substantial profits, it can actually
encourage towards the break of the law.

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