BOLZANO. A vast and diverse agricultural and forestry ecosystem, ranging from apple and grape production to the presence of bees and oxen, faces challenges despite positive indicators highlighted in the 2023 Agricultural and Forestry Report of South Tyrol.
The provincial councilor for Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism, Luis Walcher, notes the rich diversity of species and varieties in South Tyrol, with particular attention given to local varieties. While the dairy sector experienced a 10-cent increase in milk prices, costs and workloads have also increased, leading to approximately 100 dairy producers closing their farms annually.
The report also celebrates significant achievements in the apple and wine sectors, with apple production exceeding a million tons and wine production reaching 328,943 hectolitres.
The report raises concerns about threats to agriculture, including the presence of golden flavescence in viticulture and the small fruit fly. Additionally, the bark beetle continues to pose a threat, with an infested area of 4,000 hectares in 2023.
Monitoring of large carnivores has identified the presence of three bears and genetically counted at least 78 wolves in South Tyrol. While damage caused by wolves is ten times greater than that of bears, measures are being taken to reduce the protection status of wolves. Compensation payments for livestock losses due to wolves and bears amount to approximately 108,000 euros in total.
The nursery sector in South Tyrol has flourished, with the production of 60 million flowers and ornamental plants, millions of vegetable seedlings, and medicinal plants. The Aquatic Species Protection Center has achieved a milestone with the hatching of 150,000 marble trout eggs.
The ”Laimburg” Experimental Center has made progress in controlling the small fruit fly. The Free University of Bolzano is actively involved in agricultural research, focusing on projects related to the control of plant diseases. Agricultural training remains in high demand, with consistently high enrollment figures at vocational schools.