A rumor disseminated on Facebook claimed that a farmer in Dąbrowica, Poland, was giving away his potato harvest, leading to the loss of 150 tons of potatoes. The farmer, 68-year-old Piotr, had just finished harvesting his crop when the misinformation spread online, prompting residents from nearby villages to respond.
Many individuals arrived with buckets, bags, and even farm trailers. According to Piotr, some took only small amounts, while others removed as much as 60 tons at once. He was absent from his farm during the incident, attending a family event, and only realized the situation when he returned to find his field nearly empty.
A video that circulated on social media, now removed, featured someone saying that the farmer had dumped the potatoes because he couldn’t sell them. This sparked a rush to his farm, with people believing they could freely take them. Although Piotr encountered some individuals who took only a few bags and expressed remorse, he noted that others took considerable quantities.
The story has been widely shared in Poland, with some social media users referring to it as a “potato gold rush.” While Piotr has not filed a police report yet, he remains hopeful that some of the potatoes will be returned. He has received around 70 calls, including numerous inquiries from journalists.
- Why it matters: This incident highlights the potential ramifications of misinformation on social media, leading to real-world consequences and losses for individuals.
- The latest: Piotr has received numerous inquiries, but he has not yet decided whether to involve law enforcement in the case.
Source: https://www.vice.com/en/article/viral-free-potatoes-post-cost-this-farmer-150-tons-of-crops/
Source: https://www.vice.com/en/article/viral-free-potatoes-post-cost-this-farmer-150-tons-of-crops/