Severe floods in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region have caused extensive disruption to the fruit and vegetable production and distribution networks. The floods, which resulted in loss of life, displacement, and power outages, are posing a significant threat to the region’s agricultural sector.
The devastating floods have submerged numerous production sites, including vast areas of land cultivated with various fruits like kiwifruit, plums, pears, apples, and vegetables. Coldiretti, the national farmers’ union, has expressed concerns about the potential “incalculable” damage and the crisis faced by the fresh produce sector. The slow drainage of water from the orchards is suffocating the plant roots, putting entire plantations at risk of disappearing and requiring years to recover.
The situation remains critical, with many employees unable to reach their workplaces due to the flooding. This has forced fruit and vegetable suppliers, including Alegra, Italy’s largest supplier, to close their operations temporarily. Coop Alleanza 3.0, a retail group, has reported significant damage to some sales points, while others are isolated due to the high water levels.
Source:fruitnet.,Photo https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-scale-photo-of-trees-709542/
19 May 2023
