Mattarella given basket of salvaged fruit and veg

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 30 - Members of farmers' association Coldiretti on Tuesday presented President of the Republic Sergio Mattarelli with a basket of fruit and vegetables salvaged from the recent flood and landslide emergency in Emilia Romagna that left 15 people dead and caused billions of euros of damage to crops and infrastructure.
    The basket containing lettuce, garlic, radishes, artichokes, cucumbers and asparagus, among other products, was presented during a visit by Mattarella to Forlì as part of a tour of areas affected by the flooding.
    Coldiretti said buying local agricultural and food products is the best way to support the local population and save the estimated 50,000 jobs in agriculture and food processing that are now at risk as a result of the floods.
    Following his visit to Forlì, Mattarella travelled to Cesena, where he met with volunteers at a collection centre for basic necessities serving local residents affected by the floods.
    Cesena Mayor Enzo Lattuca introduced the president to a man who had rescued a family by canoe.
    "Thank you for your commitment, for what you did, and also for your inventiveness," said Mattarella.
    A woman coordinating relief in Cesena thanked the president for donating the Paul VI International Prize money to the John XXIII community working for the disabled, the homeless and other vulnerable groups whose facilities in Emilia Romagna have been damaged by the deadly floods.
    " We will not forget," the woman said.
    Mattarella received the prize from Pope Francis on Monday.
    (ANSA).