Article by Viory
Stefano Mangiante, owner of Rome’s Serra Madre produce market, warned that the war in Iran is threatening Italy’s agricultural sector, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz drive up diesel and fertiliser costs and strain key supply chains.
“There is no doubt that the agricultural sector is currently facing very difficult times. The ongoing conflict has led to an immediate rise in costs,” he said in an interview filmed on Friday.
Mangiante explained that nitrogen-based fertilisers sourced from the Middle East are becoming harder to access due to transport blockages, pushing prices higher despite existing stock.
“The current transport blockade is leading to price rises for stocks – which, at present, appear to be available. At a time of year when fertilisers are needed to start new crops, we are facing difficulties in obtaining the product quickly,” the owner said.
He noted that Italy exports over two billion euros in agri-food and horticulture products to Gulf markets, including 13% of its apple production. However, around ‘1,000 containers’ are currently stuck in transit or awaiting shipment.
“This represents a considerable share of our production that cannot be interrupted, unless we find other markets. We are always dealing with perishable goods, so time is always of the essence in our sector,” Mangiante emphasised.
He added that demand from Gulf markets has ‘dried up’ during peak planting season, worsening financial pressure on farmers.
The disruption of transit in the Strait of Hormuz comes at a critical time in early spring, when planting activity and machinery use are at their highest, amplifying the impact of rising diesel consumption with already elevated fuel costs.
“We are starting to work the land, just like many other farmers in sectors that complement ours. At this time of year,” Mangiante highlighted, “We are all feeling the pinch of the significant price rise we have seen over the last month.”
Global energy markets remain under pressure following escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the launch of US-Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28. The conflict has disrupted key shipping routes via the Strait of Hormuz and driven oil prices sharply higher.
US President Donald Trump condemned his Western allies for refusing to help secure it, while Tehran has said the Strait “is open to friends and non-hostile countries, but closed to enemies and those who collaborate with them”.
Article by Viory
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