Farmers' Protest Shuts Down Highway Toll Booth in Capua

The A1 highway toll booth in Capua was closed for just under two hours this morning, from 8:30 to just after 10, due to a protest by farmers. The farmers, who have been blockading the area outside the toll booth with tractors since Friday, caused significant disruption with 4 kilometers of traffic. A second group of farmers has also been active since Saturday outside the other A1 highway toll booth in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, a few kilometers away from Capua. At noon, a mobilization action by the farmers of the Sammaritan garrison was announced. Fruit and vegetables were first thrown in protest and to draw attention to the agricultural sector crisis, then given away to passing motorists, many of whom were pleased and gladly accepted the gift. 'You're right to protest, it's for our future too,' said one motorist, only a few didn't want it. Gianni Fabbris, president of the Altragricoltura association and leader of the protest, states that 'this country has sold its soul to speculation and big distribution, which determine prices and conditions that are unbearable for farmers. We want a made in Italy where there are really Italian products and the result of our hard work. Clear and transparent rules are needed for checks on the supply chain. Enough with the fairy tale that everything is fine here - he explains - The government must give answers but remember that it is not just a question of money, but where this money goes, also because the community funds of the Pac have financed industrial speculation. We will not stop, the garrisons are coordinating, but we do not make fuss nor do we ask for the government's resignation; we open round tables on crisis and on the reform that must merge Food Sovereignty and the common interests of farmers and citizens.'