Impact of intensive hazelnut cultivation
16.4.2019
Question for written answer E-001851-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Dario Tamburrano (EFDD) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD) , Laura Agea (EFDD)
Special protection areas IT6010057 and IT6010055 concern Lake Vico and Lake Bolsena in the Lazio region. Their catchment basins are intensive hazelnut-growing areas, which are estimated to cover some 1 000 and 500 hectares respectively, with the latter expanding even further.
The hazelnut cultivation is being done on a contract farming basis with a multinational[1]. It is transforming the landscape[2], it is unrelated to the management of the protected areas and even when done outside those areas is having a significant impact on them as a result of the run-off of pesticides[3] and fertilisers leading to high levels of eutrophication.
The hazelnut cultivation is the subject of a programme agreement between the multinational behind it and the Lazio Region[4]; the Umbria Region, in which part of the Lake Bolsena catchment basin is located, is providing financial incentives for it[5].
This suggests that, under Directives 92/43 and 2001/42, an assessment of implications and a strategic environmental assessment would be required; these have not, however, been carried out.
Can the Commission therefore say:
- 1.Whether it is aware of this situation;
- 2.Whether Italy, in relation to this specific situation, is appropriately implementing EU legislation as regards assessments of implications and strategic environmental assessment;
- 3.whether it intends to take any measures, or take a more in-depth look at the situation?
- [1] https://agronotizie.imagelinenetwork.com/vivaismo-e-sementi/2018/05/21/piano-nocciola-italia-di-ferrero-ecco-tutti-i-dettagli/58772
- [2] https://orvietosi.it/2019/01/alice-rohrwacher-scrive-a-tre-governatori-cosi-la-monocoltura-delle-nocciole-ha-cambiato-laltopiano-dellalfina/
- [3] Written questions E-001477/2019 and P-001627/2019.
- [4] Regional Decree (DGR) No 228 of 19/05/2015.
- [5] http://www.regione.umbria.it/la-regione/bandi?p_p_id=48_INSTANCE_murcPC6Xfznf&_48_INSTANCE_murcPC6Xfznf_iframe_fromExt=1&_48_INSTANCE_murcPC6Xfznf_iframe_codBando=2019-002-632; https://www.proagri.eu/news-pro-agri-citta-di-castello/161-nocciolo-arrivano-2,6-milioni-con-il-bando-regione-umbria.html