Before 1950, most of the land was controlled by a select few wealthy landowners with the most of workers under harsh conditions (2).

The Land Reform Acts were only slightly successful in fixing these issues, and the European Union did little to help smaller farmers, primarily in the South.

It was not until 1975 and 1978 that effective aid was implemented, but these regional differences are evident still today in the way these farms are run (2).

Two of Italy's most lucrative exports:

• Olives are a tree crop grown in the dry and arid climate of Puglia, Sicily, and Calabria, assisted by the long and dry summer season. This olive production makes Italy the world's biggest exporter of olive oil.

• Grapes are another tree crop that are primarily grown for the purpose of producing wine. Every region of Italy produces some type of wine (2).

• Hard wheat, which is used in making pasta, is grown in the south.

• Soft wheat, used for bread, biscuits, and pizza crust, is grown in northern regions.

• Rice and corn are grown in the Po Valley, which is the most fertile spot of land in Italy.

• Tomatoes are a very important crop for both domestic and export markets, grown in Naples.

• Citrus fruit production is mainly dominated by Sicily, with the rest in the lowlands of Calabria and Campania. These areas are also known for cherries, apricots, and almonds (2).