"Things are not working out for the tomato. I am now hoping for the early August harvest. I'm not thinking of making a profit, but at least to cover all expenses." This is what Daniele Brunelli, a producer from the province of Verona said, adding that "In the past few weeks, in my opinion, the production was almost twice as much than needed. This depends on two factors, the health emergency, with a consequent drop in the Ho.Re.Ca consumption, which has caused a decrease in demand."
Daniele Brunelli in a stock photo
"The second factor lies in the increased production. Since 2019 proved to be a good year, many have transplanted more. Not to mention that the weather conditions allowed for an abundant fruit set, causing a production surplus compared to significant imports from abroad."
According to the producer, over the past few days, several people have had to discard the product. "Things aren't going well for the other vegetables either. Courgettes are at 10 cents, aubergines at 35. You can' t work this way. During the lockdown, those who had vegetables did well, I'm thinking of tomatoes from southern Italy, but the situation is bad for all of us now.
Over the last few days the oxheart tomatoes have been priced at 80 cents, but before that they even dropped to 50 cents/kg. In any case, these numbers are very unsatisfactory. "In 20 days I will start the first cuts of the transplants made in June - concluded Brunelli - and I really hope that the situation gets better."