Only the latest in a series of misfortunes
95% of the grapes, Garganega variety, lost in a plot of Cinto Euganeo due to wild boar raids. The incident happened in recent days, and is only the latest in the series in chronological order. During this year's harvest in some areas of the Euganean Hills there were losses of up to -50% precisely because of the continuous passage of ungulates: where they roam they destroy everything, in the constant search for food and water (especially in the recent weeks, during which temperatures were recorded far above the seasonal average). “The case of Cinto Euganeo is particularly significant - underlines Cia-Agricoltori Italiani Padova -. In just one night the wild boars ate almost all the bunches of dozens of rows. Among winemakers there is a feeling of strong anger mixed with resignation." And to say, as the agricultural entrepreneurs themselves report, that in the specific case of Cinto Euganeo the grapes were exceptional, ripe at the right point: between 15 and 18 quintals of harvested Garganega grapes were expected in that land.
Overall harvests
In the end, only 2 quintals were harvested. “A defeat - adds Cia Padova -. This episode, dramatic in terms of numbers, must force us to reflect. That is, the competent authorities are called upon to provide continuity in the containment of these animals through the action of authorized controllers." “Between climate change, increased costs and damage caused by wildlife, the viticulture of the Colli risks being knocked out - underlines the president of Cia Padova, Luca Trivellato -. This is a high-calibre sector that we are required to defend." If until five years ago the presence of ungulates in the Colli Park was estimated at around 10 thousand specimens, today they would have increased to up to 15 thousand animals. “They continue to reproduce in an uncontrolled manner - observes Trivellato himself -. For every specimen that is contained, two more are born." These animals, moreover, represent the main vector of African swine fever, for which the Veneto Region adopted specific epidemic warning and control measures a few weeks ago.
African swine fever
“It has already manifested itself significantly in Piedmont, Liguria and Lombardy,” recalls Cia Padova. It is not transmissible to humans, but is highly contagious for domestic and wild pigs. Which is why, concludes Cia Padova, “in our territory the need has emerged to adopt more stringent biosecurity measures in order to achieve the objective of total eradication of the virus from ungulates. One more reason to continue their containment." And to keep attention high on the many problems that beset the primary, Cia has called the demonstration "Skyrocketing prices, poorer farmers", scheduled for Thursday 26 October at 9.30 in Piazza Santi Apostoli in Rome. A delegation of over fifty agricultural entrepreneurs from Padua will be present (source: CIA).
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