Severe weather hits Corsica's farms

Severe weather struck Corsica, causing significant damage to farms and infrastructure, especially in the communes of Ghisonaccia, Prunelli-di-Fiumorbo, and Ventiseri in the Eastern Plain. The impact is concentrated in these areas, but many farms across the region from Marana Golo - Casinca to Solenzara have also been affected.

Livestock farmers face forage loss

Livestock farmers are particularly worried about the loss of forage, with damage to hay stocks making existing challenges from a drought worse. The drought had already weakened reserves earlier than expected, starting from the end of July.

Flood damage threatens future harvests

Damage to fences and fields that have turned into gravel pits is expected to impact future forage cuts in the spring. Hay stored in sheds was also affected, leading to immediate losses for farmers. The citrus industry is also facing uncertainty as the Clementine harvest has just begun, and the consequences of the floods on orchards cannot yet be assessed.

Infrastructure failures worsen the crisis

In Folelli, the Royal Road was flooded due to a lack of drainage infrastructure, leading to damage to irrigation systems and risks of soil diseases for trees. A farmer described the situation as a "real catastrophe," noting that the losses are enormous.

Estimates of farm damage

Jean-Baptiste Arena estimates that nearly a thousand farms could be affected, with about a hundred severely impacted, out of the approximately 3,000 farms in Corsica. Further assessments are needed to refine this estimate, and Arena plans to visit the Fiumorbu this Thursday to gather more information.

Farmers seek disaster status

Farmers are hoping for a state of natural disaster to be declared by the prefect of Haute-Corse. Meanwhile, they are dealing with the immediate consequences of the weather, fearing additional damages in the coming days and weeks. A national outage on Orange's mobile network was reported, and private homes without electricity and blocked roads were among the first assessments of the weather's impact in Corsica. The government has promised support to independent gas stations in Corsica.