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.
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