Worst drought in 70 years threatens risotto, passata and olive oil supplies

Italian government declares state of emergency

Italy’s worst drought in 70 years has put the supplies of olive oil, risotto rice and passata under threat (AFP via Getty Images)

Italy’s worst drought in 70 years has put the supplies of olive oil, risotto rice and passata under threat as the country buckles under the burden of poor water infrastructure.

A price hike of up to 50 per cent is expected for rice and tomatoes after growers of the arborio rice – used in risotto – said there would be a “significant reduction” in crop yields.

The Italian government declared a state of emergency in several northern regions because of the drought and a fierce heatwave that has dried up the Po River – a key area for the production of fruits, vegetables and grain as well as irrigation.