Sicilian farmers face crisis as durum wheat prices drop to 19 cents per kilo

The price of durum wheat in Southern Italy has dropped to between 19 and 22 cents per kilogram, leading local officials to warn of a crisis for Sicilian farmers. Carmelo Palermo, the mayor of Poggioreale, described the situation as a ‘real looting’ of farmers, noting that production costs are no longer being covered. He highlighted a significant price gap between raw grain and its derivatives, noting that while grain is sold at minimal rates, semolina bread can retail for between 3 and 8 euros per kilogram in various Italian regions.

In the Valle del Belice, Agriculture Councilor Andrea Cantavespre warned that the depreciation of cereals is causing an increase in uncultivated land as farmers abandon their fields. This trend is driving a shift in land use, with some agricultural properties being sold for photovoltaic plant installations. To address the crisis, Mayor Palermo intends to request an urgent technical meeting with regional agricultural authorities and the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida.