Chianti mayors say new property tax 'strikes soul' of land

(ANSA) - Florence, February 3 - The government's IMU property tax is putting at risk agricultural production in the rich Chianti countryside of Tuscany, two local mayors complained Tuesday.
    "The IMU agricultural (tax) strikes at the soul of Chianti," say Giacomo Trentanovi and David Baroncelli, representing Barberino Val d'Elsa and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa.
    They accused the national government of "harassing" property owners with the tax that they say could drive many out of business when it should instead being "giving a hand" during the ongoing economic crisis.
    "We believe the measure once again places a heavy burden on taxpayers and municipalities, and is going to penalize the economic potential of our region which is related inescapably to the vocation of rural life in Chianti," they said. Chianti is internationally famous, particularly for its production of wine, olive oil, and related products.