Italy Tests Climate-Resistant Wheat as Heat Threatens Pasta

In the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy's "Food Valley," researchers are working on the pasta of the future by focusing on its main ingredient: wheat. According to a France 24 report, scientists are testing climate-resistant varieties of durum wheat designed to withstand the hotter, drier conditions that are becoming the norm across the Mediterranean basin.

The work comes as Italy endures its fourth heatwave of the summer, with all 27 major cities placed under the highest heat alert this week, according to the Guardian. The extreme temperatures have edged towards 40C in some areas, putting pressure on crops and the agricultural systems that underpin the country's iconic food exports.