The unseasonably hot and dry
winter could cost Italy's agrifood business over one billion
euros, farmers' association Coldiretti said Monday.
Producers evoke the spectre of 2007, when a particularly
dry winter led to poor harvests.
The situation is particularly critical in Piemonte,
Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto due to their dependence on
the river Po.
Farmers are particularly worried about the upcoming sowing
season for corn and soy, as these crops are needed to feed the
cattle that support the parmigiano reggiano and grana padana
cheese-making industries.
There is also concern that fruit trees may fail to bear
fruit.
Precipitation in January was 60% down on average values,
while December 2015 was the driest in 215 years, Coldiretti
said.
Last year was also the hottest year on record.
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