"Although the 2023 summer fruit season has not started yet, things are already looking uncertain. The main reasons are the weather and the drought, which have already caused a 20% drop in production for apricots," explains Maurizio Fiorenza, director of OP Eco Farm.
Maurizio Fiorenza
"The Sicilian production is also paying the price of the wrong varietal choices made in previous years, which caused low volumes with little flavor, often leading to the uprooting of plants. A few years ago, we started focusing on varieties that generate fruits with interesting organoleptic qualities and, most of all, which are tasty. Nonetheless, a production drop is expected precisely in June and July, because plants have not been able to withstand climate changes. This means climate change is the number one enemy for stone fruit production. It is no longer possible to predict the yields and quality of a campaign that starts in mid-May and ends in late August."
"So far, we are able to guarantee a production of 3,000 tons of apricots based on the calculations that were wilfully underestimated and that help us somewhat make programs with our clients. The situation is different for peaches and nectarines, as there are no problems. Over the past few years, considering the livelier demand, we expanded our nectarine orchards focusing on varieties with an excellent flavor and colorful peel. We are expecting a very interesting medium-late campaign, as we will not be affected by competition from Spain because their yields have been compromised by various problems. Northern Italy has also experienced problems, as the frost and prolonged drought have caused considerable difficulties for stone fruit producers."
"The netted melon production is in full swing at Eco Farm. The campaign started a while ago with excellent perspectives. However, while retailers are asking for melons at low prices to facilitate consumption due to the reduced purchasing power of families, producers are demanding higher prices to face the higher production costs that started with the sea blockades and worsened with the conflict in Europe."
For further information:
O.P. Eco Farm s.r.l.
Sede Legale: Viale della Regione, 232 
93100 Caltanissetta
Stabilimenti: C.da Judeca
93011 Butera (CL)
+39 0934 921558
[email protected]
www.ecofarmitalia.com