La sowing of sunflower risks being compromised by the invasion of pigeons. A scourge for farmers with Coldiretti who asked the Marche Region for immediate interventions with appropriately trained wildlife operators. It would not even be a problem to find them given that "there are at least 500 who have attended ad hoc training courses organized by the Region - let Coldiretti know - it would be enough that the provincial police forces employ them in the countryside where there is great concern ". The sunflower cultivation is the most damaged by the excessive number of pigeons: approx 80% of the damage caused by this species in agriculture, according to data from the Regional Wildlife Plan.
They are the same flocks that populate the cities (with the relative damage to the monuments as well as the hygienic and sanitary problems due to the guano) and that during the sowing period move to rural areas to hunt for food. A threat to a crop that is growing in value and that "It is once again an important income opportunity for businesses". With about 950 thousand quintals of production and over 43 thousand hectares, the Marche is the first region of Italy in the cultivation of sunflowers. Most of the fields are concentrated in the provinces of Macerata (15 thousand quintals) and Ancona (11 thousand). Followed by Pesaro (7.800 quintals), Ascoli (5.700) and Fermo (3.200).
Coldiretti, just last year, welcomed with great favor the agreement between the Italian agricultural sector spa (Fdai) and Olitalia for the production of 100% Italian sunflower oil traced from field to table. About twenty companies from the Marche for about 200 hectares have signed up to the supply chain contract. A way to enhance the work of Italian farmers through the storage of sunflower seeds with the aim of guaranteeing farms a fair remuneration which always covers production costs as well as a supply chain premium. “A further enhancement of the agricultural product which, however, risks being frustrated” conclude by Coldiretti Marche.