Tornado and hail in Villafranca, Quaderni and Valeggio: significant damage to crops and plants is expected.
Last night’s storm around 7pm with strong winds, showers of rain and hail with a whirlwind caused damage not only to crops, but also to plants and structures.
From an initial check carried out by Condifesa Verona CODIVE, the body that deals with insurance in agriculture, the crops affected are fruit including kiwis, peaches and cherries, cereals including newly sown corn, vegetables and vines.
«It is early to make a damage assessment but the damage will certainly be extensive – commented the director of CODIVE Verona Michele Marani –. In addition to the hail, which is the adverse climatic event most feared by farmers due to the damage it can cause to crops, a tornado also occurred at the same time which amplified the damage even further. As can be seen from photos taken in the area, many tree crops were thrown to the ground, bent by the fury of the wind, resulting in significant damage not only to the fruit but also to the plant itself.”
Agriculture is the economic activity that, more than any other, experiences ongoing climate changes first hand on a daily basis with increasingly significant damage. Director Marani therefore informs that until May 31st for tree crops and for all autumn-spring cycle crops it is possible to insure with a subsidized contribution. He also points out to all interested farmers that Agea is preparing a substantial payment relating to the contributions expected from farmers for the year 2023.
