Matteo Leonardi Elected President of Italian Fish Farmers Association

Silvio De Nardi (left), Matteo Leonardi and Claudio Pedroni | Copyright API

Silvio De Nardi (left), Matteo Leonardi, Claudio Pedroni | Photo of API

The Italian Fish Farmers Association (API), affiliated with Confagricoltura, convened its Annual General Assembly in Verona, announcing the election of Matteo Leonardi as its President for the 2024–2027 term.

Leonardi, born in 1979, manages a second-generation family-owned trout farming business in Tre Ville, Trentino, a region in northern Italy renowned for its pristine waters and long-standing aquaculture tradition.

With a team of 11 aquaculture professionals, the newly appointed Executive Board reflects the diverse composition of Italy’s fish farming sector.

Upon his election as President of API, Leonardi outlined his vision for the sector, highlighting the importance of institutional collaboration and innovation. “I am confident in the board’s ability to address the challenges facing the aquaculture industry,” he said, adding that the association would prioritise improving product quality, traceability, and the application of field-specific research to support growth and sustainability.

Claudio Pedroni, President of Agroittica Toscana, has been named Executive Vice President of API, with a mandate to oversee marine aquaculture. Pedroni highlighted the sector’s pressing challenges, citing regulatory barriers as a significant impediment to growth.

He emphasised the need for immediate action to strengthen collaboration across stakeholders, with the goal of safeguarding production and advancing sustainability.

“The current climate demands urgent solutions,” Pedroni said. “My focus will be on promoting sustainable practices that deliver healthier, high-quality seafood to consumers while ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.”

The new Executive Board features representatives from key aquaculture sectors

Trout farming, the largest segment of Italian aquaculture, is represented by Vice President Silvio De Nardi, alongside Francesco Armanini, Lucio Fariano, and Mirella Fossaluzza. Sturgeon farming and caviar production are represented by Gian Carlo Ravagnan, while marine species farming is led by Roberto Co’, Lodovico Guariso, Domenico Lococo, and Oliver Martini.

Outgoing President Pier Antonio Salvador and Vice President Marco Gilmozzi were commended for their invaluable contributions to the association's growth and consolidation over the years.

Reflecting API’s extensive regional reach, the new Executive Board represents over 90% of Italy’s aquaculture enterprises. The sector’s economic significance is underscored by 2023 figures, with production nearing 55,000 tonnes, a gross production value exceeding €400 million, and a workforce of 5,000 people, according to API data.