Italian farms hit by series of extreme weather events in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna: call for Commission to take action to support this primary sector

Subject: Italian farms hit by series of extreme weather events in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna: call for Commission to take action to support this primary sector

Between April and May 2023, heavy hailstorms and floods struck the Italian regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.

In Veneto, farms in the Rovigo province have reported losses exceeding EUR 300 000.

According to initial estimates, more than 21 000 farms in Emilia-Romagna have sustained over EUR 1.5 billion in losses, with major damage inflicted on greenhouses, nurseries and stalls in particular. Orchards and vineyards are the worst affected.

Fruit production is a key sector in the Italian economy, worth EUR 15 billion; in Romagna alone, the sector is valued at EUR 1.2 billion.

Given the concerns of trade associations about an expected decline in productivity that will have a strong knock-on effect on farmers’ earnings, and given the likelihood that many employees will be laid off, can the Commission answer the following:

1. Will it allocate emergency funds as quickly as possible to help farmers compensate for the losses incurred as a result of the bad weather?

2. Under which measures will it help farms in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna get back on their feet?

Submitted:2.6.2023

Answer given by Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission (13 July 2023)

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) can support farmers who suffered damages due to natural disasters. Direct payments provide income support to farmers and constitute a safety net to buffer the negative impact of extreme weather events.

The CAP can also support investments for restoring production capacity, preventive actions, farming practices and non-productive investments for reducing the consequences of natural disasters.

The Italian CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 also supports the establishment of a national mutual fund for farmers hit by catastrophic events.

On 26 June 2023, the Commission presented a draft implementing regulation providing EUR 330 million for exceptional support to farmers in 22 Member States. The financial allocation for Italy amounts to EUR 60.5 million.

It is for the Italian authorities to decide on how to distribute this amount amongst the farmers most in need. This support is part of a wide package for supporting farmers affected by climatic conditions including authorisation of higher advances for area payments and flexibilities producers groups could use in operational programmes especially in fruits and vegetable and wine sector.

In addition, the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) can be activated at the request of the affected country to cover the costs of emergency and recovery operations by the public authorities. Private damage is not eligible.

The Commission was informed that reflections are ongoing in Italy regarding the most effective package of measures to be applied.

However, it is essential that Italy continues to implement, including through the CAP plan, a medium and long-term strategy that ensures the transition towards more climate resilient and environmentally friendly production systems.