Agriculture, De Luca: "Campania is first in Italy with a water autonomy plan."

Naples, September 17 – (Adnkronos) – "I am one of the few who knows what a farmer, a laborer, a peasant looks like. I am proud to have grown up among you. I hope that in the years to come there will always be someone who truly understands the agricultural world and who remembers that our producers are bearers of profound values."

This was stated by the President of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca, speaking at Campania Mater, the two-day event at the Royal Palace in Naples dedicated to the future of the primary sector.

De Luca reviewed the work done with Agriculture Councilor Nicola Caputo to address the emergencies of recent years. "We had to manage health crises that affected some products and a dramatic problem for the buffalo sector. Despite battles, clashes, and misunderstandings, we almost managed to resolve the brucellosis issue, also adopting serious government decisions and cutting red tape for payments to farmers. We have maintained our strategy of enhancing product quality, defending a sector that represents absolute excellence and a great asset for the Campania economy."

The governor also highlighted the work done by land reclamation consortia, "some of which are in disrepair and lack resources for staff," and the region's commitment to water planning. "We are the only region in Italy to have approved a plan for water autonomy, worth billions of euros in European funds and budget resources. We have planned 20 hillside reservoirs and work on the Campolattaro dam, co-financed with the Ministry of Infrastructure, which will allow the irrigation of 40,000 hectares of land, particularly those used for wine production. We want to guarantee water autonomy for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation."

De Luca emphasized the need to "remain vigilant in the face of climate change. If drought has so far affected the Po Valley more than Campania, we cannot relax: we need infrastructure, dams, and hillside reservoirs to ensure safety even in the most difficult years."

Among other initiatives, the president cited the project for "a large horticultural market in the Torre Annunziata area, at the forefront in Italy and Europe," and measures to protect Campania exports, "currently threatened by potential repercussions from tariffs. We must prepare to support the hardest-hit sectors and no longer leave companies alone." Regarding promotion, De Luca touted the progress made: "We are present at Vinitaly with a unique stand that showcases our regions and represents a strength for producers." He then mentioned the calls for tenders for the director of the regional paying agency "with a view to reducing bureaucracy" and the measures to support hydraulic and forestry workers "who have been living in conditions of total precariousness for years."

"This work," De Luca concluded, "must continue and not be wasted. I hope that whoever leads the Region in the future understands what it means to be a farmhand, a farmer, a breeder; that they understand the supply chain, the institutions, and the battles for animal health and prevention. We are confident in the future of the sector: in recent years, we have seen a return to agriculture among young people, and we must support them with innovation, technological renewal, and multi-year supply contracts that guarantee planning and investment. We will strive to always be there for you, leaving no one behind. And, as far as I'm concerned, I expect to live a long time to come."