The real agricultural “plague” is the drought problem that looms across Europe

Drought emergency: serious crisis in Catalonia, and Italy is no exception

European agriculture faces a double challenge that puts the entire sector to the test and “paralyzes” it: on the one hand, the protests against the ecological transition package (Green Deal), the lack of subsidies for the purchase of fuel and the common agriculture (CAP), and on the other the devastating drought that is affecting many regions of the continent. Across half of Europe, farmers have taken a stand, invading the streets with their tractors to demonstrate against policies they believe penalize the sector. However, as the riots take hold, another emergency threatens agriculture: drought.

In Catalonia, for example, the situation is particularly serious. As reported on the website Gamberorosso.it water reserves are drastically low, with a level below 16% of their capacity, a state so serious that it led the country to declare a state of emergency. The consequences? A water rationing for domestic use and purposes, with a limit of 200 liters per day for citizen or commercial activity. To make matters worse, there is also the “bad” and complex management of water resources, the fragmentation in the management of the water network and the pollution of aquifers. Farmers and ranchers, already dealing with the consequences of agricultural policies and protests, now find themselves with 50-80% less water available for their activities.

Even in Italy, drought is causing serious problems. Regions such as Sicily, Sardinia, Veneto and Umbria are facing an unprecedented water emergency. 2023 was one of the warmest years on record, with temperatures above the historical average. In Umbria, water levels are below critical levels, and growers are advised to review their cropping plans in light of forecasts on water availability. Also in Sicily, the rainfall deficit has caused significant damage to farmers and ranchers, already affected by the anomalous climatic events of the previous year. Emergency situation also in Sardinia, where among the restrictive measures adopted there is also a ban on irrigation. The recent bulletin of the Basin Authority of the Sardinia Region, dated 31 January 2024, reveals che island's water resources amount to 958 million cubic meters, corresponding to approximately 52.5% of the authorized useful regulation volume. However, the drought indicator signals a “danger” or “alert” condition with a value of 0.20, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Faced with this emergency, the question arises of how the state of the European agricultural sector will change in the coming months, considering the worsening of drought conditions and farmers' protests against the policies imposed by European governments. The climatic situation certainly does not offer comfort: according to the Drought Observatory, between February and April the medium-term forecast data indicate above-average values ​​for central-southern Europe, with an increasing probability (40-70%) along the north-south latitudinal axis. Furthermore, Mediterranean surface temperatures are above average for the entire quarter, with a probability of 70 to 100%.

However, there is a glimmer of hope regarding future precipitation. The Drought Observatory also suggests that February could be 40-50% wetter than the average across Italy. This forecast could represent temporary relief for drought-stricken regions, including Sardinia, and offer respite for agricultural activities and breeders. Despite this positive note, it is clear that the challenges related to drought and climate change require an immediate and coordinated response at European level.

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