The agriculture-rich north Italian region of Emilia Romagna is reeling from devastating floods that began in early May, transforming the region’s fertile landscapes into swamped expanses. The damage caused by these unprecedented rains is expected to severely impact the region’s economy, potentially to billions of euros.
Emilia Romagna, revered worldwide for its gastronomic delights, saw rainfall equivalent to a year’s worth in just a few weeks. But unfortunately, this sudden influx of water was too much for the dried and cracked earth to absorb. “The ground was dry due to the drought, cracks had formed, and, as we know, the dry ground becomes impermeable,” explained Andrea Betti, Vice President of the Confagricoltura Ravenna, a farming organization, in an interview with CNN. The result was catastrophic, with the floodwaters sweeping away fertile land, orchards, vineyards, and ready-to-harvest crops.
Thousands of farms remain submerged, and an unknown number of livestock have perished or are at risk of starving. Videos circulating in the media depict pigs battling floodwaters. Even as rescue efforts are underway, more rain is expected, exacerbating the dire situation.
The monetary value of the damage is estimated to be colossal. Confagricoltura has approximated the cost of arable crops, such as wheat, barley, corn, soybean, sunflowers, alfalfa, and other seed crops, to be around €6,000 per hectare. The damage to fruit orchards, vineyards, and olive groves is estimated to be more than five times higher, at €32,000 per hectare. Coldiretti, Italy’s national federation of farmers, stated that the financial implications of the flood are “incalculable,” with the fruit and vegetable sector being the most brutal hit.
The prolonged inundation could spell disaster for the crops left standing. The longer the water remains, the higher the risk of root rot, necessitating replanting. Stored harvests are also in jeopardy, as Massimo Masetti, director of the Agricultural Consortium of Ravenna, revealed that the water had breached warehouses, rendering the stored grain unviable.
Emilia Romagna, fondly known as “food valley,” contributes 9.1 percent to Italy’s GDP. It is home to 19 culinary museums and boasts the highest per capita Michelin-starred restaurants in the country. In addition to its rich culinary scene, its thriving agricultural sector drives employment rates and supports a vibrant economy.
But the devastating rains have washed away more than just crops. The region’s reputation as one of Italy’s most livable places is also threatened. The 2012 earthquake, which wrought havoc in the region’s “made in Italy” heartland, caused over 13 billion euros in damages reminds Nova News. The floods are projected to triple that damage, according to Coldiretti.
Over 5,000 farms, including greenhouses, nurseries, stables, and barns, are submerged. Meanwhile, the effect of landslides on hilltop towns is yet to be assessed, further escalating the crisis.
This catastrophic weather event has raised questions about climate change and the need for comprehensive measures to manage such disasters. The agricultural sector has been urged to review its tools and procedures for responding to extreme weather events. The National Mutual Fund for catastrophic damage coverage, as mentioned in the Ismea Report, presented in Brussels, reported a loss of 5.62 billion euros to Italian farms in 2022 due to drought, frost, and floods. It is feared that 2023 could see a similar, if not higher, bill.
