Extreme weather spells disaster for Chile’s beekeeping industry

Extreme weather spells disaster for Chile’s beekeeping industry

Extreme weather events, including significant floods and wildfires, have wreaked havoc on Chile’s bee colonies, essential pollinators for the country’s vital avocado and almond crops. The events, described as the worst in a decade, have critically endangered a key component of the South American nation’s multi-billion-dollar food industry.

Italian agriculture severely impacted as floods ravage Emilia-Romagna

Italian agriculture severely impacted as floods ravage Emilia-Romagna

From May 16 to 20, 2023, severe floods and over 300 landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Northern Italy caused 13 fatalities and significant damage, with one person still missing and 36 000 people evacuated. This extreme rainfall event caused extensive damage to farms and rural infrastructure.

Heavy rains affect nearly 500 000 people, devastate crop fields in Jiangxi, China

Heavy rains affect nearly 500 000 people, devastate crop fields in Jiangxi, China

Nearly 500 000 people in Jiangxi province were affected by heavy rains from Friday to Sunday, May 5 – 7, 2023, leading to the evacuation of around 14 000 residents and causing an estimated 520 million yuan ($75.2 million) in direct economic losses. China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters launched a level-IV emergency response for flood control on May 6. Rescue operations are underway.

Heavy rainfall in Ireland leads to wettest March on record, impacting agriculture

Heavy rainfall in Ireland leads to wettest March on record, impacting agriculture

Ireland experienced its wettest March on record last month, with 173.3 mm (6.8 inches) or 169% of the average for the month. The wettest March followed on from what was confirmed provisionally as the fourth driest February on record. Before last month, the previous wettest March was in 2019.

Record-breaking rice shortage in 2023 threatens global food security

Record-breaking rice shortage in 2023 threatens global food security

Rice production for 2023 is set to log its largest shortfall in two decades, according to Fitch Solutions. This severe global deficit is primarily driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine, and weather-related challenges in major rice-producing countries like China and Pakistan.

Unseasonal rains and hailstorms threaten wheat harvest in India

Unseasonal rains and hailstorms threaten wheat harvest in India

Unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and strong winds damaged more than 523 000 ha (1 292 332 acres) of wheat crop in three Indian states, causing harvesting challenges and fears of significant yield losses. The untimely rains have also affected mustard, channa, barley, and vegetable crops, among others.

Spain expected to produce the lowest volume of fruit in 40 years

Spain expected to produce the lowest volume of fruit in 40 years

Spain is expected to produce its lowest volume of fruit in the last 40 years due to frost that hit its fruit-production regions in early April, especially the Ebro Valley – one of the most important producing areas of sweet fruit in Europe.