An uncontrolled proliferation
CIA Agricoltori delle Alpi at a press conference to denounce the vandalism against the electro-welded meshes placed to protect crops in the Canavese. The meeting was yet another act to reiterate the exasperation of the agricultural world towards the uncontrollable proliferation of wild boars in the countryside. “We feel abandoned and helpless -said the president of CIA Agricoltori delle Alpi, Stefano Rossotto-, in recent years we have knocked on all doors, without reaching decisive solutions. The slaughter of wild boars is slowed down by bureaucracy, in many cases farmers complain of the hunting territories (ATC) which are not efficient enough in managing containment plans and compensation, but the problem has many facets. Farmers cannot stand by and watch, which is why in the Canavese they have protected the fields with fences, only to discover that there are always those who 'enjoy' destroying them to let the wild boars pass. In addition to the damage, the insult, we can't go on like this ".
Containment of the wild
Sitting at the table with Rossotto were the mayor of Montalto Dora, Renzo Galletto, the mayor of Burolo, Franco Cominetto, the municipal councilor of Borgofranco, Luca Quacchia, and the representative of Confagricoltura within the local Atc Sergio Tos. Rossotto outlined an overview of the state of the art in the field of wildlife containment, without forgetting what is producing some positive results: "Gabions for catching wild boars have shown a certain effectiveness - observed the president of CIA Agricoltori delle Alpi-, it being understood that they require a not negligible logistical commitment. Many farmers do not know that there is the possibility of building their own gabions and that reimbursements of expenses are foreseen in this regard. It must be remembered that hunters cannot enter the closed-end fund, just as there is a ban on hunting in the event of a pending harvest. Last year we said no to the proposal of the regional councilor for agriculture to set up a chain of meat from slaughtered wild boars, because he would create a market disturbance, without however guaranteeing the wholesomeness of the product. The regional plan of urgent interventions for the management, control and eradication of African swine fever is well done, however we need to streamline the procedures for activating selectors enabled for night shooting, otherwise the effect is nullified”. According to Sergio Tos, "political decision makers need to no longer consider wild boar as a resource, but as a problem and for farmers to seek alliances, since, for example, in the case of swine fever, not only the pork supply chain is damaged , but also that of tourism and trekking. The gabions work -added Tos-, but they are exposed to vandalism, because even wild boars have their allies, among hunters and animal rights activists”.
Emergencies of all kinds
On the mayors' front, everyone declared they were united in facing the wild boar emergency, which affects agriculture, but also road safety, public order and the local economy. The mayor of Montalto Dora, in particular, said he was ready to propose, if necessary, the engagement by the Municipality of special teams of selectors, independent of the hunters, just as the request to close the hunt for wild boar for a couple of years, entrusting the killing of ungulates only to selectors and guards, who would have no interest in maintaining the presence of these animals in the area for sporting purposes. From the agricultural entrepreneurs present at the meeting, a unanimous chorus: "We don't want them to pay us (belatedly) the damages, but to take away the wild boars".
The testimonials
There are those who have spent 22 nights with their son to watch over the field and prevent the wild boars from devastating the crops and those who have relied on the anti-hail cannon to scare away the ungulates, only to discover that they have probably come across a deaf boar, given the outcome of the raid suffered in the field. Numerous complaints about wild boar carcasses that are often left abandoned for several days before the authorities intervene to dispose of them. Mario Monti, a farmer, has put together a team of selectors authorized for emergency intervention. There are many requests, but the bureaucratic go-ahead does not always arrive in good time. In addition, in summer there is the complication of the vegetation: "The ideal would be to intervene before sowing - said Monti-, because when you shoot you never know who might be behind the corn plants". The battle continues. In closing, President Rossotto reaffirmed the commitment of Cia Agricoltori delle Alpi on the wildlife front: "Everyone must do their part - concluded Rossotto -, from the institutional tables to the ATC assemblies, where the future of our agriculture is at stake ”. (Source CIA)