This is what Coldiretti, an agriculture organization, estimates. The hot and dry summer impacted also on corn (-30%) and soybean (-40%). A big reduction is forecast for sugar beets and also sunflowers (-20%). Direct and indirect damages to the agriculture are estimated at 3 billion Euro, with economic and occupational effects on the overall economy.
The heat and drought, that cut summer and autumn production - Coldiretti continues - may leave as many as 200,000 young people that usually pick fruit, vegetables and grapes without a job. Besides there is the risk of increasing the dependance from foreign imports of a country that already imports 30% of its food. A perspective that confirms the importance of Italy defending its agricultural heritage and its availability of fertile land.
The collapse of agricultural production in Italy
| Soybean | -40% |
| Tomato | -35% |
| Corn | -30% |
| Pears | -22% |
| Sunflower | -20% |
| Apples | -13% |
| Wine grapes | -5% |