Fruit and vegetable production across large parts of northern Italy have reportedly been struck by prolonged hailstorms and high winds, which have caused 'considerable damage' to crops in a number of regions including Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli.
According to Italifruit News, early estimates have placed the cost to the sector at around €100m, although it insisted it was too early to make any definitive assessment of the total damage done.
'The bad weather has had dramatic consequences for open-field vegetables, which at this time are starting to enter full production,' the website reported. 'Notable damage has been done to aubergines, tomatoes, courgettes and lettuce.'
At the same time, a significant amount of fresh fruit trees have been completely destroyed, with vineyards, wheat fields and corn production also reported as having been badly hit.
Several glasshouses have also been damaged by the stormy conditions.
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