Italian Agricultural Output Declines Due to Extreme Weather
Source: The DairyNews
Italy's agricultural production saw a notable decline last year, with key sectors such as wine, fruit, and olive oil experiencing significant setbacks due to adverse weather conditions attributed to climate change, as reported by Reuters citing the national statistics bureau ISTAT.
In 2023, Europe endured its hottest summer in two millennia, a phenomenon analyzed through tree ring studies. Recently, temperatures in parts of the continent have soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), exacerbating the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
According to ISTAT, Italian agricultural output fell by 3.9% from the previous year. Particularly hard hit were woody crops, which include vines, fruits, and olives, dropping by 11.1%. "The year's trends were heavily influenced by a series of extreme weather events at various times throughout the year, severely affecting many vital crops," ISTAT explained in their statement.
Wine production plummeted over 17% to levels last seen in 2017, driven by the prolonged heat extending into the autumn season. Olive oil production in central Italy was also impacted, suffering from the cool and humid conditions during the spring blooming period. Additionally, fruit outputs were hindered by hail storms and spring frosts.
The onset of summer has brought about severe drought conditions in Italy’s southern mainland and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, threatening further damage to crops and livestock, as highlighted by farming lobby Coldiretti last week.
In response to these challenges, Italian farmers have actively participated in protests across the European Union, voicing their concerns over low produce prices, rising operational costs, competition from cheap imports, and new EU regulations aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Compounding the agricultural sector's challenges, Italy was among six nations that opposed a key EU environmental initiative on Monday. The proposed policy would require member states to implement restoration measures on 20% of their land and sea areas by 2030, aiming to combat the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
According to ISTAT, Italian agricultural output fell by 3.9% from the previous year. Particularly hard hit were woody crops, which include vines, fruits, and olives, dropping by 11.1%. "The year's trends were heavily influenced by a series of extreme weather events at various times throughout the year, severely affecting many vital crops," ISTAT explained in their statement.
Wine production plummeted over 17% to levels last seen in 2017, driven by the prolonged heat extending into the autumn season. Olive oil production in central Italy was also impacted, suffering from the cool and humid conditions during the spring blooming period. Additionally, fruit outputs were hindered by hail storms and spring frosts.
The onset of summer has brought about severe drought conditions in Italy’s southern mainland and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, threatening further damage to crops and livestock, as highlighted by farming lobby Coldiretti last week.
In response to these challenges, Italian farmers have actively participated in protests across the European Union, voicing their concerns over low produce prices, rising operational costs, competition from cheap imports, and new EU regulations aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Compounding the agricultural sector's challenges, Italy was among six nations that opposed a key EU environmental initiative on Monday. The proposed policy would require member states to implement restoration measures on 20% of their land and sea areas by 2030, aiming to combat the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
