Protecting Air Quality Begins in the Fields: Tuscany Offers Grants for Electric Wood Chippers

The Tuscany Region has opened a grant scheme to support eligible landowners in purchasing new electric wood chippers, as an alternative to open burning of agricultural pruning and mowing residues.

Outdoor burning of agricultural pruning waste releases harmful particulate matter into our local atmosphere. By replacing burning with mechanical shredding and mulching, this initiative encourages a sustainable transition that eliminates toxic emissions while converting agricultural waste into a valuable soil resource.

 

Key Benefits of Shredding & Mulching:

By replacing open burning with mechanical shredding, the initiative aims to reduce particulate matter and smoke emissions associated with the burning of agricultural residues. Shredded material can also be reused as mulch or soil amendment, potentially helping retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect soil, depending on local conditions and how the material is managed.

 

Call Details & Incentives (2026):

To foster sustainable land management across the region, direct financial contributions are now available for eligible applicants.

• Grant Amount: Up to €1,200 for new electric wood chippers (maximum cutting capacity up to 10 cm)

• Requirements: Eligible applicants must own or co-own qualifying tree-crop land in one of 31 specified municipalities across the Florence urban area, the Lucca Plain, and the Prato-Pistoia Plain. Eligible land must be at an altitude of 200 metres above sea level or below and cover at least 500 m², including only contiguous cadastral parcels when combining areas.

 

For full application guidelines and eligibility criteria, visit the official Regione Toscana Website