The increase of the rabbit population in Montes Boreas could have disastrous results for the harvest of broccoli and cauliflower in the vicinity. The biennial ministerial ban on hunting rabbits, means that the rodents can multiply uncontrollably.
Farmers are getting desperate. The first vegetable to be affected was the artichoke, and to a lesser extent the broccoli and cauliflower, planted only three weeks ago. "Rabbits are crazy about vegetables. They can devour 2 acres in a single night,” says Jose Luis Blanco, one of the affected producers.
The municipality of Tudela, owner of the hunting area of Montes de Cierzo and adjacent areas, where four or five cooperatives grow their vegetables, is aware of the problem, but currently has no solution for producers. "They say we have to talk to an expert, or set up a committee or something, but we can’t wait,” says Blanco. “It will take these bunnies a mere 10 days to clear the entire area.”
Another solution is to place screens around the lands, but that is not always possible. “Fencing off an area of 6 to 8 km is rather pricey,” Blanco says wryly.
Navarre producers warn that the damage may be irreparable if an intervention is not forthcoming.
Source: cazawonke.com
