"Ultrarep" is the innovative system introduced in Toscana to defend the crops from roe deer and wild boar: in Florence we talked about the budget for the first year and the conclusions were positive. The system is based on acoustic bollards that keep the wild from the cultivated fields. Their operation is ensured by photovoltaic panels and the experimental phase has recently been completed.
Now we are thinking of introducing ultrasound also in fields of multiple farms, in order to avoid that the animals choose other vineyards or fields. Among the project partners there are several consortia, such as that of Chianti Classico and the Union of Viticulturists of Panzano in Chianti, in addition to Confagricoltura who coordinated and managed the design work.
The director of the regional agricultural association has positively evaluated Ultrarep as regards the fight against ungulates, but at the same time reiterated that it must be accompanied by other traditional systems, hunting first and foremost. The bollards are therefore useful, but they do not represent an alternative to hunting. The contribution to the defense of the territory is however undeniable, without forgetting the economic, environmental and social benefits. Among other things, this project is also attracting great interest in other Italian regions.