The national statistics office of Italy – ISTAT, stated on Tuesday that extreme weather events connected to climate change caused a decline in wine, fruit, and olive oil output last year, which in turn caused a decrease in agricultural production in Italy.

Based in part on an examination of tree rings, researchers found that 2023 was the warmest summer in recorded European history. This month, temperatures in several regions of the continent have already topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

According to a statement from ISTAT, Italian farms had a 3.9% annual decline in output volume in 2023, with woody products including fruits, vegetables, and olives down 11.1%.

“The year’s trends were affected by adverse weather conditions at different times of the year, with a succession of extreme events affecting many crops of primary importance,” it said.

Unusually chilly and humid circumstances during the spring flowering season harmed the output of olive oil producers in central areas, while scorching summer temperatures that lasted far into October caused a 17% decrease in wine production compared to 2017.

ISTAT also noted that spring frosts and hailstorms had a negative impact on fruit yield.

Drought is already harming crops and animals in southern Italy, including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, as summer approaches, according to a statement released last week by farming group Coldiretti.

In February, Italian farmers participated in demonstrations around the EU against cheap imports, low food prices, growing expenses, and EU policies aimed at more sustainable farming.

Six nations, including Italy, voted on Monday against a prominent EU policy that mandates that by 2030, member states implement steps to restore nature on a fifth of their land and water.

(Adapted from ThePrint.in)

Categories: Economy & Finance, Regulations & Legal, Strategy, Sustainability