Environmental and economic impacts of commercial Mediterranean soilless tomato greenhouses: the Italian case

This PhD thesis examines the environmental sustainability and economic feasibility of soilless tomato cultivation in Mediterranean commercial greenhouses, with a focus on Italy. The research utilizes life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies to evaluate the environmental impacts and economic performance across the full life cycle of tomato production in these systems. Environmental policies have often been undermined due to problems with information asymmetries and a lack of farmer participation. This study seeks to provide comprehensive data and analysis to inform better policy design and implementation. Literature Review Tomatoes and wheat are generally the main crops considered in the LCA: some countries, however, have only a few studies and the application of the LCA is sometimes limited by the lack of complete inventory data, while the LCC is even less developed. It was also found that the studies were most often conducted in the European sector as most of the models and databases are suitable for European agri-food products: however, the literature review did not focus on a specific region as unfortunately the studies conducted in Italy and in the Mediterranean region are still limited especially for the economic aspect. Methodology: The study follows ISO 14040/14044 standards for LCA, LCI, LCIA, LCC. Italian Test Site Case Study Information on production practices was collected through an experimental test site placed in a commercial greenhouse in Tuscany and bibliographic surveys. The study demonstrates that soilless tomato production in unheated Mediterranean greenhouses can achieve good environmental performance while remaining economically viable.