Heatwave may cost Italy's agriculture sector €1.5B

Extreme heat in Italy could cause €1.5 billion in damage to the country's agricultural sector, Report informs, citing La Repubblica.

The newspaper cited industry organizations and farmers' associations.

The potential losses are linked to lower production caused by insufficient irrigation and reduced working hours due to the heat.

Rice production has been hit hardest. Italy is Europe's largest rice producer, but drought has led to the loss of more than 5% of rice fields. If there is no rain by mid-August, a quarter of the harvest could be at risk.

Durum wheat production has fallen by more than 9%, while its price has increased by 10.5% compared with last year.