The clementine campaign is proceeding with higher prices than expected. The market seems to be affected by lower yields in the various clementine-growing areas, with a drop in production of up to 40%, though it is actually the small sizes, which are not welcome by operators, that are creating some commercial imbalance.
"The high temperatures and lack of rain which lasted several months led to difficulties in the fields. Many, but not all, have found it difficult to irrigate. Nonetheless, the clementines we are supplying are of excellent quality, with a good ratio of acids to sugars. We are harvesting the produce at the right ripening stage, without any extreme techniques to anticipate or delay the fruits," reports Vincenzo Stellaccio, a citrus grower from Palagiano (Taranto) with 12 hectares dedicated to clementines.
(In the photo to the side, clementines of the SRA 89 and Fedele variety being harvested).
"The recent temperature fluctuations, almost abnormal for the period with minimum ones close to zero, have favoured further colouring of the fruit, an element that, together with the size, becomes one of the most important for good product placement."
Vincenzo Stellaccio
The climate is therefore favourable, but the continuous lack of rain is putting growers to the test, especially those in areas without an efficient water network.
"We are still irrigating," the Apulian entrepreneur resumes, "which is absurd for this time of year. Many fellow farmers only had water for brief moments in the previous months. On the other hand, this also means that skin problems are limited and that fruits are holding up well. This allows us to supply quality produce and work with peace of mind. There is still long to go until the end of the current season, which in any case remains positive, and now the most interesting time is approaching, i.e. the Christmas holidays."
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