The funds
The Region is reimbursing game processing centers involved in the processing of carcasses of ungulates slaughtered as part of control plans and destined for charity with €80 (half for the 2025/2026 hunting season and the other half for the 206/2027 season). These carcasses are mostly wild boars. This initiative, which has been ongoing for years, involves the distribution of this meat, through collaboration with the Tuscan Food Bank , to disadvantaged and socially vulnerable population groups. All animals, prior to distribution and before they arrive at their homes, will be inspected by local health authority veterinarians, who are responsible for direct prevention and early detection of any diseases that may affect wild animals, starting with African swine fever, which has been the subject of several outbreaks in Italy. These inspections are intended to protect human health, but also allow for monitoring the spread of the virus within animal colonies.
Health monitoring
"This," explains Simone Bezzini, Councilor for Health, "actually monitors the health of game and guarantees food safety. We are thus meeting social and health-related objectives thanks to the great teamwork between local health authority professionals, local hunting areas, and the Food Bank."
Lots of meat available
"I'm pleased to continue a project that began when, in the previous legislature, I was responsible for health and welfare," comments Vice President and Councilor for Hunting, Stefania Saccardi. "There's a lot of meat," she recalls, "from wild ungulates slaughtered as part of the Region's control plans, so we felt it was necessary to incentivize charitable donations: a way to address the needs of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, or marginalized segments of the population." Tuscany, through various measures and policies, has transformed the ungulate problem from a critical issue into a resource: the animals slaughtered for hunting and wildlife control have become an opportunity to create the most developed supply chain in Italy. In 2024, over 15 animals were included, a portion of which went to food charity.
(Source: TUSCANY REGION)
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