Wild boar emergency in Umbria: Coldiretti reports millions of damages
Wild boar emergency in Umbria – Coldiretti, the association of representation and assistance for Italian agriculture, raised the alarm on the growing problem linked to the wild boar population in Umbria, reporting millions of euros in damages to farmers. The situation has been defined as “dramatic” for corn and sunflower crops, as well as for olive groves and vineyards, the latter also afflicted by significant damage caused by roe deer.
The association has valued that there are around 150,000 wild boars in Umbria, a number that contributes to a worrying national picture, with over 2.3 million wild boars roaming uncontrolled in Italy. In the last year alone, this situation has caused damage to Italian agriculture quantifiable at around 200 million euros, with entire cultivated fields devastated.
To deal with this emergency, Coldiretti organized 96 simultaneous assemblies throughout the national territory, which saw the participation of over 50,000 farmers. These meetings represented a crucial moment to discuss possible solutions and urgent measures needed to mitigate the devastating impact of wildlife on the agricultural sector.
Regions such as Puglia and Tuscany appear to be among the most affected. Puglia records over 30 million euros in estimated damage and a population of 250,000 wild boars, while in Tuscany the damage exceeds 20 million euros, 80% of which is attributable to the presence of approximately 200,000 wild boars.
Coldiretti underlines the need of coordinated action and effective policies to control the wild boar population and protect agriculture, which represents a vital resource for the country’s economy. The organization calls for greater attention from authorities and institutions to guarantee the sustainability and safety of the agricultural environment, crucial for the livelihood of thousands of families and for the protection of Italy’s landscape and natural heritage.
