First the inclement weather, then the wild boars that have damaged the fields. It is an unfortunate year for corn in the Belluno area, where over 1.300 hectares are sown mainly for livestock use but also in the Sponcio, Marano and Cinquantino varieties used for polenta. The cold and the rains damaged the crops, blocking the vegetative development. In addition, the raids by wild boars have resumed, with damages for thousands of euros. «Corn is a plant of subtropical origin, which loves the heat. The foothills climate is a bit on the edge, but if the season is good, good harvests can be made», Explains Mauro Vaccari, of the arable sector of Confagricoltura Belluno, owner of a company of arable land and beef cattle in Cesio Maggiore.
"Almost all the Belluno farms sowed in May and, between cold and thunderstorms, the plants suffered a lot, with losses of 20%. Even if the heat arrives now, it will be possible to recover only part of the production ». The raids of wild boars have also resumed, causing the first damage. Among the first to have received visits is the president Diego Donazzolo: «A few days ago the ungulates entered my fields, in the Canaletto area, and devoured a few rows of me. The damage is not significant, but the season has just begun and there are already reports of our other companies that are having problems and who report herds on the rise.
For years we have been reporting this problem at all levels, but nothing is moving. A few days ago, we also met the regional councilor Cristiano Corazzari, but the feeling is that among regulations, bureaucracy and rebounds we are walking in the swamp. I have said it and I repeat it: this proliferation of fauna is not a blessing, because the province of Belluno is becoming a place where it is no longer possible to live and work. There are farmers who have been waiting for compensation for years ”. The reports of damage, concerning wild boar and deer, are on maize but also on meadows and are concentrated on the left Piave between San Fermo, Castion, Modolo and Borgo Valbelluna. The ungulates have dug holes and devastated the seedlings. The damage is estimated at several thousand euros: restoring the stable lawn is even more expensive than the fields, because the carrying over of earth and stones weighs on the haymaking. As for soybeans, however, sowing will start in the next few days.
Prices have shot up: over 60 euros per quintal. "For those who sell soy it is good news", says Stefano Catani, owner of a company of arable crops and milk cows, "but for farmers in the Belluno area, who grow it mainly as feed for cows, rising prices are additional costs for breeding. None of us produce enough to ensure self-sufficiency and therefore we are forced to buy what we lack. This will translate into a 15 percent more costs. Also with soy we have the deer problem: as soon as we sow they come to feast. In 2019 they killed me all and I have not yet seen a penny of compensation from the Veneto Region ".