The impacts of seasonal weather anomalies on Italian farms’ total factor productivity

Abstract Understanding how seasonal weather anomalies brought by climate change impact on agricultural productivity is fundamental to food security. To allow proper site- and season-specific policy responses, micro-level assessments are needed. This study uses a panel data econometric approach to assess the impact of weather anomalies on Italian farms’ total factor productivity (TFP) over the period 2008–2020 using micro-level data. Estimates point to a complex TFP–weather relationship. Results confirm that seasonal weather anomalies have a negative effect on agricultural performance of different farm typologies. Effects tend to be larger the larger the weather anomalies.