Corsican farmers face severe challenges after floods and droughts, threatening the future of the region's sheep and goat industry.
Prairies submerged by floods
Prairies in Corsica have been submerged by recent floods, with some pastures that were dried out during the summer now under water. This has disrupted the usual grazing patterns and added to the difficulties faced by local farmers.Floods damage hay stocks and infrastructure
Hay stocks, which are crucial for feeding livestock during the winter, have been damaged by the floods. In addition to the loss of forage, fences have been destroyed, and soil degradation has been reported, raising concerns about the long-term viability of farmland.Cumulative impact of drought and floods
The current situation follows a challenging summer marked by drought and heatwaves, which have already weakened forage resources and farmers' financial stability. The combination of these extreme weather events has placed additional strain on the agricultural sector.Immediate concerns for animal welfare
The ILOCC, a local agricultural organization, warns that the health of livestock may be at risk due to the floods. The organization emphasizes the need to monitor the herds closely and ensure their feeding and protection in the coming weeks.Call for government aid and disaster recognition
The ILOCC is urging the government and the Corsican Collectivity to recognize the situation as a natural disaster and to provide immediate assistance. This includes financial support for agricultural losses, animal feed, and farm recovery efforts.Urgent need for action to save the livestock industry
The ILOCC stresses that the situation is critical, warning that without swift action, the survival of Corsica's sheep and goat farming industry could be at risk. The organization is calling for a response that matches the scale of the damage and the preceding challenges.