“Explaining the reason for the delay in transposing the 2022 European directive on reduced VAT for equines and related services is becoming increasingly complicated for Italian breeders and our associates. While Italy remains stuck at a 22% rate, our French competitors have already enjoyed a percentage reduced to 2023 from the beginning of 5,5. This regulatory disconnect has created a huge competitive advantage for France, unfortunately highlighting a soft approach by Masaf on this issue. This measure is fundamental for the survival of our sector. Today, as never before, we strongly renew our request to the Government to intervene concretely to adapt our tax regime as soon as possible. Italian livestock farming is experiencing a dramatic, unprecedented crisis and as a fundamental link in the entire sector, it invites the Ministry, before engaging in other less relevant issues, to take an urgent and priority initiative to sensitize the entire Government to move in definitive way. The farmers, who fight this crisis every day with their heads down and with infinite passion, have the right to know if Italy has decided to protect them and not penalize them. If breeding doesn't start again, horse racing won't start again."
This was stated in a note by the president of the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, Roberto Toniatti, and the president of the National Association of Thoroughbred Horse Breeders, Isabella Bezzera.
