Malles, the apple village of Val Venosta, in South Tyrol, has decided to ban pesticides. A great achievement that could increase the cultivation of organic or in any case untreated apples. A few years ago we talked to you about the certainly not rosy situation of the apples of the Val di Non. Will the situation improve from now on?
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Mals, the land of apples from Val Venosta, in South Tyrol, has decided to ban pesticides. A great achievement that could increase the cultivation of organic or in any case untreated apples. A few years ago we told you about the certainly not rosy situation of apples from the Val di Non. Will the situation improve from now on?
The decision to say No to pesticides it took place thanks to a Referendum a which was attended by 69% of citizens. 75% of those who voted were against the use of pesticides. The Referendum was promoted by the Municipality of Trunks.
The result was probably unexpected, given the economics interests which revolve around the cultivation of apples in Val Venosta. It remains to be seen whether all farmers will now say goodbye to old habits in the name of greater respect for the environment and health.
Public opinion in any case played an important role. Now i risks related to pesticides are well known. Why grow and sell apples treated with potentially toxic substances if there are equally valid methods based on natural agriculture? This is an aspect that could enhance both apples and other local food products even more.
After all, it seems that for some time now the territory of Malles has been expressing its own in an increasingly decisive way vocation to organic. Furthermore, at the disposal of citizens and visitors there are cycle paths, marked trails for trekking and the possibility of guided tourist visits to admire the most characteristic areas of these places.
Let's not forget that banning pesticides it could help to stem la bee die-off: “I am working in that area and I know the situation well: the beekeepers are desperate for the deaths that have killed the hives and which are linked to a very intense use of pesticides. And then those are narrow valleys, with orchards that alternate with schools, sports facilities, woods. In order to live together, the use of pesticides must be progressively reduced "- said Claudio Porrini, entomologist of the University of Bologna, interviewed by Repubblica.
"Organic crops are the goal, but we have to get there gradually: it is not just a technical problem, we need to educate consumers, to appreciate the fact that the palate is more important than sight, that apples do not leave the factories and should not be free of imperfections "- added Porrini .
Photo source: Punto Ponte
The promoters of the Referendum to ban pesticides however, they declared themselves ready to dialogue with their opponents. But the hope is that it really is one turning for Malles, and beyond. Other municipalities in South Tyrol could follow the same example and decide to focus on organic apple production.
Marta Albè
Read also:
An inconvenient truth about the apples of the Val di Non
Pesticides: Apples treated with DPA after harvest in the US. And in Europe?
