Hail and rains which have reportedly destroyed 70 per cent of fruit production in two areas of Italy's fruit-producing heartland Emilia-Romagna in the past few days have been described as 'an unprecedented disaster' by Maurizio Solfrini, presidente of agriculture confederation CIA
The areas around Forlì-Cesena and Ravenna were worst hit by the storm, leaving producers concerned about the possible impact of low temperatures, which they say could have a further impact on yields.
According to reported estimates, kiwifruit production in the areas affected – Meldola, Forlimpopoli, Longiano and Montiano – has been completely wiped out, while at least 70 per cent of their peach trees have been damaged.
In addition, the CIA said at least 40 per cent of the apricots, cherries and table grapes grown in the affected areas have been obliterated, with conservative estimates suggesting damage to apple and pear production would be around 65 per cent.
The poor weather in Emilia-Romagna follows last month's hail damage to stonefruit trees near Forlì and 'serious damage' to cherry production in the southern region of Puglia.
Gianluca Balzani, provincial vice-president at leading supplier Apofruit, told the Corriere Ortofrutticolo: 'In Forlì-Cesena 70 per cent of the produce has been destroyed, in particular peaches, plums, pears, apples and kiwifruit.'
'This wave of bad weather is comparable with the tornado which hit three years ago,' he said. 'The hailstorm was even more destructive than the one on 19 May.'
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