(MENAFN- Swissinfo)
The commune of Chamoson has set up patrols with local police to try and stop record grape thefts. Some winegrowers have lost part of their crop due to bad weather but others are doing better. Keystone / Laurent Gillieron
Since the start of the vine harvest in September, around 1.5 tonnes of grapes have been stolen in the winegrowing canton of Valais, police say.
This content was published on October 8, 2021 - 16:57 October 8, 2021 - 16:57 RTS/jc
Police spokesman Stève Léger told public broadcaster RTS on Friday that seven grape thefts have been reported so far.
Worst hit is Chamoson, the largest wine-producing municipality in Valais, where vineyard access has been restricted at the request of the farmers' union.
“The winegrowers, fearing that the temptation to steal is too great, have asked the commune to take measures,” said union president Claude Crittin.
It is now forbidden to walk between the rows of vines, but the official through-paths are still open. Nightly surveillance rounds have also been introduced.
The harvest is expected to be smaller and more patchy in 2021, due to bad weather. Thefts of grapes are noted every year in the Valais vineyards, but this year they are at record levels.
Frost, hail and mildew have hit crops, but while some winegrowers have lost part of their grapes, others are currently having“good harvests”, according to the cantonal viticulture office.
More
More
In space exploration, Switzerland punches above its weight
A Nobel Prize for the country's astrophysicists is a reminder Swiss scientists are at the forefront of space research.
More
More
Farmers made hay in 2020 but brace themselves for grim 2021
This content was published on Oct 5, 2021 Oct 5, 2021
Covid, the weather and the pig market were kind to farmers in 2020, with income increasing 6.7% . But this year is looking much bleaker.
Articles in this story
- In space exploration, Switzerland punches above its weight
- Farmers made hay in 2020 but brace themselves for grim 2021
MENAFN08102021000210011054ID1102941006
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.