Novara agricultural businesses to receive relief after severe hailstorms

Authorities from the Piedmont Region and the Province of Novara have met to coordinate relief efforts for agricultural businesses following a severe hailstorm on August 7. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, vineyard systems, and crops across several municipalities, including Fara Novarese, Sizzano, Ghemme, Barengo, Romagnano Sesia, and Carpignano Sesia.

To access compensation through the National Solidarity Fund (Legislative Decree 102/2004), affected businesses must submit reports of structural and infrastructural damage to their local municipalities. The Piedmont Region will collect these reports and aims to delimit the affected areas by September. Regional officials are also evaluating whether to request special derogations to cover losses related to agricultural production.

In terms of prevention, the Piedmont Region has allocated 5.5 million euros to support the purchase of anti-hail netting, with a new call for applications expected in September. Additionally, regional contributions to incentivize agricultural insurance have been increased by 600,000 euros this year to help farmers manage climate-related risks.