Late frost with dramatic damage in northern Italy

A cold spell with late frosts has caused severe damage in Italy. Vineyards as well as fruit and vegetable growers have to expect significant harvest losses as buds, shoots and blossoms have been destroyed. Winegrowers in Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany are particularly affected. Farmers' associations such as Coldiretti in Piedmont and Confagricoltura in Tuscany have called on their regional governments to declare natural disaster status. In many regions of Tuscany, losses of up to 50 percent can be expected. Likewise, winegrowers in the Langa (Piedmont) fear for half of their Nebbiolo production, in the province of Alessandria even up to 80 percent are said to be affected. In the Veneto, vineyards for the production of Prosecco, Chardonnay and Pinot grigio were particularly affected by the frost. The full extent of the damage, however, will only become clear in the coming days and weeks.

(ru / Sources: larepubblica; ilsole24ore - Photo: Wikipedia)