The Integration of Satellite Analysis Within Common Agricultural Policy Instruments: Application Hypotheses for the Issue of Soil Erosion in the Veneto Region

The integration of satellite imagery in agriculture is a well-established practice, recognized since the 1970s for its value in Earth Observation (EO). However, its systematic use in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), particularly in the Rural Development Programme (RDP), remains limited. Despite promoting precision agriculture and employing satellite missions like Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 for farm monitoring, the CAP has not fully leveraged these tools in local interventions. RDPs, operative instruments of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), support climate adaptation and mitigation measures, such as hedgerow planting and specific tillage techniques. Yet, these measures often fail to account for local vulnerabilities, relying on broad characterizations that reduce cost-effectiveness. Despite these challenges, there are successful examples, like the Piedmont Region’s use of the RUSLE model for soil erosion mapping, which effectively targets soil management actions. However, RUSLE has limitations, particularly in accounting for temporal dynamics, land management practices, and precipitation patterns. These gaps could be addressed by incorporating satellite data, such as multi-temporal Landsat and Sentinel imagery, to enhance vegetation cover analysis. This article advocates for integrating satellite-based approaches into CAP tools, focusing on the Veneto Region’s RDP. The goal is to develop a flexible, multi-method strategy that better prioritizes soil erosion prevention actions in targeted areas.