For Apulian farmers it is a recurring tax: the bills of the single reclamation Consortium relating to the 630 contribution. And every year Confagricoltura tries to bring the regulatory aspect back into compliance with an entity that is responsible for the management of hydraulic works and the maintenance of waterways: “Without direct intervention from the Regional Council – notes the president of the Apulian producers’ organization Luca Lazzàro – the 630 contribution will continue to be unfair because it has no concrete effect on the territory. The reclamation contributions together with regional funding should support the maintenance and safety of the canals. However, it is clear that these waterways, which are essential in the event of floods, have not been adequately maintained. The banks, often invaded by weeds and debris, require urgent interventions. The anger of agricultural producers, who are extremely harassed and penalised, is not so much the result of the economic request – however significant – but rather the total absence of a real benefit”.
Confagricoltura Puglia calls for concrete interventions. “Farmers are asked to pay for services that were never carried out, while the canals remain in a state of disrepair. This is why it is urgent for the Puglia Region to intervene to guarantee correct maintenance and more resources.”
The organization therefore requests that clarity be made on the destination of the funds raised and that the necessary work to secure the area be started immediately. “Farmers – concludes Confagricoltura – cannot continue to bear costs for non-existent services, it is time for the Consortium and the Puglia Region to free producers from this yoke. Transparency and effectiveness in the management of funds is essential to guarantee the trust of farmers and the safety of hydraulic infrastructures.”
