“Incorporation of my resolution on controlled burning of plant trimmings in the government decree-law (no. 91 of 24 June 2014) – published in the Official Gazette from Tuesday – is a source of great satisfaction.” This was the comment of PSI MP Oreste Pastorelli, also a member of the VIII Environment, Land and Public Works Committee, on the measure that came into force on 25 June.
PASTORELLI’S SATISFACTION – The Socialist politician explained that work began last 26 September “with unanimous approval of the resolution, of which I am lead signatory, in the Environment Committee, and which is fully reflected in the government text.” The aim of the initiative was “to respond to a need strongly felt in the area, therefore by agricultural entrepreneurs, especially smallholders, and by local administrators,” he added. “A measure that facilitates and simplifies the work of small farmers and will also have positive effects on care and maintenance of the land” Pastorelli concluded.
BURNING – So-called “burning” of plant residues represents the possibility of disposing of non-hazardous agricultural or forestry material “derived from trimmings, straw, pruning or on-site clean-up, in the case of on-site combustion of the same.” Combustion of this material is permitted in small piles and in daily quantities “not exceeding three cubic metres per hectare in areas, periods and times identified by order of the competent Mayor for the area. During periods of maximum risk of forest fires, declared by the Regions, combustion of agricultural and forestry plant residues is always prohibited,” the legislation states.
The President of the Sabina PDO Consortium [b]Stefano Petrucci[/b] welcomed the news with great satisfaction, expressing his own gratitude and that of the olive growers he represents:
“[i]On behalf of all Sabina PDO producers I sincerely thank Hono. Pastorelli for the commitment and attention shown towards agricultural producers by promoting incorporation of the resolution on controlled burning of trimmings in the decree[/i]”
