There are two main reasons that led Ferrara Expo to delaying Futurpera to March 6-7, 2024: an unprecedented crisis that is affecting the entire pear production chain, made worse by the flood in May, and the actions the category associations UnaPera and OI Pera are taking to obtain resources and reassurances from politicians on the future of pear cultivation.
"It was a complex decision, considering that the organization was well underway and many companies had already joined, but it was necessary to give the sector some time to close ranks," explains the President of Ferrara Expo Andrea Moretti.
© Giacomo BriniAndrea Moretti, President of Ferrara Expo (Photo credit: Giacomo Brini)
"To us, delaying FuturPera means helping out the entire chain, starting with the companies heavily hit by the weather events in May and heavy hailstorms in July, which have seen halved or even zeroed production in Emilia Romagna. This caused an unprecedented crisis that has made us opt for such delay, also in agreement with organizational partners Consorzio UnaPera, Consorzio per la Tutela della Pera dell'Emilia-Romagna IGP, Centro Studi CSO and, of course Oi Pera."
"It was a complex choice from both an organizational and economic point of view, but it was a necessary one. To us, FuturPera is not just a fair, but an event that involves an essential segment for our territory. We believe our previous editions provided the chain with an important space for confrontation for both Italian and foreign companies, plus a part dedicated to conventions. In this phase, however, we are lacking the conditions to guarantee such high level to partners and visitors."
"What is more, the whole system is committed on multiple fronts to obtain answers, reassurances and resources from policy-makers. It is an articulated process that started on October 24 in Rome with the Tavolo Ortofrutticolo. A small step, yet not the only one, to relaunch the segment. We believe we should support and observe this delicate phase."
The dates may have changed, but FuturPera's formula remains the same: a two-day event with an articulated exhibition section featuring businesses from the whole chain - nurseries, logistics and distribution companies - plus conventions with the World Pear Forum organized with the precious contribution of Cso Italy.
"I am optimistic and, in March 2024, the fair will be the protagonist of the relaunch of our pear cultivation."
For further information: futurpera.com