Region Supports Agriculture Recovery After BSE Emergency

Mad Cow Disease was also discussed in Castiglione during the conference titled «Agriculture and the BSE Emergency», held on Friday evening in the presence of Enzo Lucchini, president of the Regional Commission on Production Units and Agriculture, along with numerous farmers and sector experts.

Indeed, Lucchini emphasized the Region’s intention to support the agricultural sector, weakened by the mad cow scare. The Region is currently exploring ways to recover a sector that has been undermined by the BSE emergency through low-interest credits, funds, and subsidized contributions.

Interventions and Regional Support

Lucchini further stated that the Region aims to support a sector battered by often unjustified alarm. During the discussion, many in the audience cited the example of the Pontevico farm, which was subjected to exaggerated panic.

Therefore, it is useless, in cases like these, to criminalize the farmer. As the Region maintains, it is correct to cull animals when BSE suspicion exists, but it is equally important to rebuild and ensure full reimbursement for the significant losses incurred.

Additional contributions are also planned to rebuild the cattle and farm animal stock and to encourage purchases of equipment and machinery that enhance sector safety.

Administrative and Financial Issues

Now, the Region must address two issues to implement the agricultural sector reconstruction plan: waiting for authorization from the European Economic Community (CEE) to receive the grants, and putting pressure on the State to allocate at least 40% of the funds.