These confederations formerly were associated with important political parties or currents, but they have formally terminated such ties. Nowadays, the four often coordinate their positions before confronting management or lobbying the government. The confederations have an important consultative role on national social and economic issues. Agriculture Italy's agriculture is typical of the division between the agricultures of the northern and southern countries of the European Union. The northern part of Italy produces primarily grains, sugarbeets, soybeans, meat, and dairy products, while the south specializes in producing fruits, vegetables, olive oil, wine, and durum wheat.
Most farms are small, with the average farm only seven hectares.