Goat Plagues and Agriculture vs Climate Change in Europe

In Eastern Europe, water shortages and high temperatures are leading to crop failures and disrupting agricultural supply chains. Romania and Ukraine are grappling with droughts that are preventing insects from pollinating corn, and sunflower crops have also been adversely affected. In Sicily, a lack of rain and record-high temperatures have resulted in extensive grass burning, forcing farmers to consider selling their livestock, such as sheep. The region has experienced the worst year for rainfall in over 20 years, leading to a 70% decrease in feed production. Climate change is also impacting durum wheat, olives, and peaches.

Greek farmers are facing a challenge from a goat and sheep plague known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) or Goat Plague. While the virus does not harm humans, it is highly contagious to goats and sheep and can lead to the death of up to 70% of infected animals. Upon detection of the disease, the entire herd is culled, the affected farm is disinfected, and authorities examine the animals in the area. In Greece, 12,000 animals have been culled, and more than 300,000 have been tested.

To boost yields and profits, Ivorian farmers are embracing a new, weather-resistant rice variety. This variety allows for two harvests per year with a yield of up to 5 tons per hectare. The introduction of this variety is part of a program aimed at increasing local food production and reducing dependence on imports through improved irrigation and mechanization. Currently, white rice production in Côte d’Ivoire stands at 1.4 million tons, while domestic consumption is 2.1 million tons.