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The Italian government has issued an emergency decree and made one million euros available for peronospora aid. The support goes directly to the state agricultural institute Ismea, where damaged farms can apply for cheap loans. The farmers' association CIA-Agricoltori Italiani said it was "a ridiculous amount to solve a problem that affects winegrowers from northern to southern Italy".
This year's harvest is at risk in strategic regions for national wine production such as Sicily, Puglia, Basilicata and Campania, according to the CIA. Losses are estimated at 30 to 40 per cent. Table grape production in Apulia and Sicily is affected to the same extent. "After the summer break, and in the hope that the rain and heat will not continue to rage, we must get to work immediately to find the necessary funds to compensate the companies," says Cristiano Fini, president of the CIA.
(ru / source: Winenews)