After a year that put all hope and new projects in standby, 2023 seems to have started well for Azienda agricola Pasquariello Giovanni di Carapelle (FG). The first quantities of organic asparagus will become available in late March.
"2022 started very well, as the market performed great after lockdown. Then the war between Russia and the Ukraine started, bringing about general cost increases and a drop in sales. We therefore had to put a few projects to the side, which we intend on picking up this year," reports owner Giovanni Pasquariello (in the photo).
The increase in costs led the entrepreneur to being more careful. "As the electricity costs alone have increased six-fold, we reduced productions: we halved summer productions (zucchini) and decreased winter ones (fennel, broccoli and cabbage) by 30%. This enabled us to not leave produce in the fields or sell it below cost, but it did reduce our turnover by 30%."
The asparagus to be harvested as of mid-March obtained the organic certification
Company news: organic asparagus, photovoltaic panels and extension of company facilities
"After a long and complex preparation that lasted years, we have finally managed to obtained the organic certification for our asparagus. We are therefore open to new clients and new sales channels. We aim at converting our other products to organic cultivation but, at the moment, we are only carrying out a few tests. The spirit of organic cultivation is the safeguard of the environment, which is what is pushing us in this direction."
"It was not easy to obtain organic asparagus. We had to experiment with various crop techniques. The main problem was countering weeds. Professional organic cultivation also enables us to save water, which is no small thing in times like these."
A photovoltaic system should be set up this year. "In the summer, we should also start extending the warehouse to dedicate more space to the organic range."
Group photo at Pasquariello company.
Attendance at fairs
"After a cautious 2022, we decided to dare in 2023 and we will be attending both Fruit Logistica (Hall 4.2, Stand C-11) and Biofach (Hall 4, Stand 4-129). In Berlin, we will showcase two preserves: one with fennel, pear and ginger perfect for cheese and one with fennel and apples nice with desserts. We will entertain our clients with a few delicacies and, who knows, they might just become part of our product range in the future."
For further information:
Giovanni Pasquariello
+39 328 9126249
Azienda Agricola Pasquariello Giovanni
C.da trionfo 1
71041 Carapelle (FG)
www.agricolapasquariello.it