The fascist Green Revolution

Societal Impact Statement The Green Revolution is commonly understood as the dramatic increase in food production Mexico and India between 1940s 1970s due to spread of new agricultural technologies, especially high-yielding seed varieties. Beyond this conventional understanding, however, historians are now revealing occurrence of—and connections between—various Revolutions across space time. This article identifies a “fascist Revolution” through history agrarian development scientific wheat breeding fascist Italy (1922–1943). Through case study, provides insights into key themes discussion around such relationship plant breeding, environment, security, self-sufficiency. Summary In 1925, regime launched “Battle Wheat,” plan aimed at achieving self-sufficiency wheat, Italy's main crop. Key project was replacement traditional landraces with “elite” semi-dwarf early-maturing cultivars released by star breeder Nazareno Strampelli. historical analysis Strampelli's program implementation “seed replacement” strategy, makes for viewing Battle Wheat Revolution.” draws on methods perspectives developed historiography Revolution. It grounded fascist-era publications archival documents produced Italian crop scientists research institutions. While rapidly fertile wealthy northern Italy, they struggled take hold dry poor South. delineates environmental, social, economic reasons underpinning divergence. Focusing particular scientists' approaches improvement South, shows how “marginal” region became site counter-narratives concrete alternatives official strategy replacement.” reveals co-existence multiple over time within science. it elements analyze science agriculture tension hyper-modernization agroecological concerns, centralized decentralized research, imported technologies local resources.