Drought and bad weather put barley at risk for Italian beer

Climate change threatens beer made in Italy, with bad weather and drought that have caused serious damage to barley crops, making it increasingly necessary to support measures for businesses to protect a sector with high potential. This is the alarm raised by Coldiretti and Consorzio Birra italiana on the occasion of the National Day of Italian Hops. 2024 confirmed concerns about the effects of the climate on crops, with the lack of rain that penalized barley, drastically reducing yields, even if the product is still of excellent quality. A factor that risks becoming structural, endangering the growth of the 100% Italian beer supply chain from field to table, which is already seeing the development of important experiences on the national territory. Today, Italy imports 65% of its need for barley malt. Yet, the two associations argue, the conditions exist to support the growth of the agricultural supply chain. To do this, adequate support measures are needed for companies, hit by ...