June 7, 2022

Farmers in France and Italy affected by storms and drought

The French National Farmers' Union Federation (FNSEA) said heavy hail and fierce storms hit farms across France, while their Italian counterparts warned of drought affecting crop yields, Reuters reported.

The FNSEA said nearly 65 departments in France were hit by hail, strong winds and torrential rain, which affected wheat crops.

France's wheat harvest is coming soon. The country is the fourth biggest exporter of the commodity in the world.

Storms also hit the northern Italian regions of Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Trentino Alto Adige, but Italy's main concern is drought. The country is expecting one more week of high temperatures.

Italian agricultural lobby Coldiretti said the country has only received half the usual rainfall levels so far this year. The lobby projects cost of lost production at close to EUR 1 billion (~US$1.1 billion; EUR 1 = US$1.07), with the Po Valley worst affected.

Coldiretti said the most affected crops have been rice, which has lost 10,000 hectares. Other cereals such as wheat to maize are expected to lose yields.

Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has increased prices for wheat because both countries are major wheat producers, damage to the commodity in western Europe could add to already strained global supply.

-      Reuters