March 5, 2020

Italian farmers concerned over COVID-19 impact

Italy has imposed strict measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country, but this has impacted farmers in affected regions, reported Reuters.

Italy has been badly affected by COVID-19, with 3,000 cases and 107 deaths as of March 4, 2020. The government has quarantined 11 towns north of the country, the epicentre of the virus in the country.

While transportation carrying essential goods are allowed to move freely, police roadblocks have kept the 50,000 people from leaving their town.

Coldiretti, an agricultural lobby group said the lockdown has affected some of Italy's most popular produce such as cheese and wine. Some 100,000 cattle and swine in 500 farms are located in the area, a rich agricultural producer.

However, farms in the area are suffering from labour shortage and disruptions due to the COVID-19 quarantine.

Stefano Ciserani, a farmer based in Lodi, southeast of Milan, said plans to expand the farm has halted because there are no workers. His farm, with 250 dairy cattle produces milk for dairies that produce Grana cheese.

Michael Toniolo, a farmer in Lo, north Italy said while food safety and COVID-19 are not related, he is worried that buyers will stop purchasing agricultural goods from quarantined areas. Reports from local media show returned or cancelled orders from products in quarantined regions. 

-      Reuters