Bellanova: “maximum commitment. All interested Italian regions involved "
In the next few days, the establishment of the technical-scientific working group will be launched to combat the problem of the "kiwi die-off" syndrome, coordinate research activities and define guidelines for the management of this emergency that has arisen since 2012 in the lower Veronese area, and which more recently also involved the province of Latina in Lazio.
This is what the National Phytosanitary Committee based at MIPAAF established in the monthly meeting that was held last Monday. The Task Force will have to define the survey criteria to determine the areas in which the phenomenon occurs; indicate the measures useful to slow it down; establish multidisciplinary lines of research that address aspects related to the climate-soil relationship, plant physiology, as well as secondary pests.
The central phytosanitary service, CREA-DC, and each participating regional phytosanitary service will be part of the technical-scientific working group and will indicate three experts involving the research institutions of the area already consulted on the matter.
“It is necessary to have certain guidelines to implement strategies and resources, to eradicate the kiwi death syndrome. It is a complex pathology, not attributable to any harmful organism, nor natural disaster. During the meeting of the Phytosanitary Committee last Monday, all the regional phytosanitary services intervened on the issue underlined that the damage to production is causing a serious state of suffering for production companies. We need the help of all the experts and the participation of all the regions involved ”, said Minister Bellanova. “The phytosanitary services of Lazio, Veneto, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna and Calabria have already communicated their participation in the working group. The adhesion of the Regions makes me particularly happy because only together, by coordinating all the scientific opinions and the solicitations coming from the territories, can we defeat this pathology which is putting a lot of fruit to the test. For my part, I guarantee the maximum commitment to win together ”.
For the 'kiwi die-off' syndrome, since it is not directly attributable to a harmful organism or to any natural disaster or adverse climatic event, the legislative decree of 29 March 2004, n. 102, relating to financial interventions to support agricultural businesses. Therefore, any intervention to support the companies involved must see the establishment of a specific fund.