Italian agricultural production declined last year as wine, fruit, and olive oil output were significantly impacted by extreme weather events linked to climate change, according to national statistics bureau ISTAT on Tuesday.
Europe experienced its hottest summer in 2,000 years in 2023, partly based on tree ring analysis. This month, temperatures in parts of the continent have already exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Italian farms saw a 3.9% annual drop in production volume in 2023, with woody crops like vines, fruits, and olives down 11.1%, ISTAT reported. The statement noted that “adverse weather conditions at different times of the year, with a succession of extreme events, affected many crops of primary importance.”
Wine production fell more than 17% to 2017 levels due to prolonged hot summer temperatures extending into autumn. Olive oil production in central regions was negatively affected by unseasonably cool and humid conditions during the spring blooming season.
Fruit production was also hindered by hail storms and spring frosts, ISTAT added. As summer approaches, drought in southern mainland Italy and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia is already damaging crops and livestock, according to farming lobby Coldiretti.
In February, Italian farmers joined protests across the European Union against low produce prices, rising costs, cheap imports, and EU measures for more sustainable agriculture.
On Monday, Italy was among six countries voting against an EU policy requiring member states to restore nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030.
South suffering from drought
Severe drought in southern Italy, compounded by inadequate water infrastructure, is devastating crops and livestock, forcing farmers to use tankers to save what little remains. Coldiretti has raised the alarm, with conditions worsening daily after the hottest start to the year on record in the South, with temperatures 1.67 degrees higher than the two-century average, according to Isac Cnr data.
In Sicily, wheat, cereals, and fodder have suffered declines up to 100%, while farmers await political action on hay vouchers, a measure secured by Coldiretti after major protests in Palermo. The lack of rain is also affecting fruit trees and threatening vineyards and olive groves.
In eastern Sardinia, water supplies are only expected to last until August. Water in the countryside is rationed, and tankers are used to water animals in stables. Fodder costs have skyrocketed due to limited availability.
Vegetables and fruit trees face significant challenges, with vineyards also under threat, especially in areas without irrigation systems. Reservoirs are currently filled to only 65% of their capacity compared to 81% last year.
The Maccheronis dam on the eastern coast of Nuoro symbolises the crisis, with only 8 million cubic meters of water remaining, sufficient only until August 10th without additional rainfall.
