"The production of winter vegetables is in full swing, but we are already preparing for summer as we are performing transplants," reports Alberto Nocera, president of Agrieuropa in Terracina (Latina).
Agrieuropa produces, processes and packages vegetables in the heart of the Agro Pontino area in the Latina province, on 400 hectares (303 in greenhouses and around 100 of open fields) in the Terracina, San Felice Circeo, Sabaudia and Pontinia municipalities.
During the winter vegetable campaign, Agrieuropa produces salad (including lamb's lettuce, spinach, baby spinach and arugula), as well as zucchini, parsley roots, daikon, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes and carrots, most of which are destined to be exported. The summer campaign focuses mainly on zucchini (available 12 months a year), cucumbers, watermelons and bell peppers.
As for the trend of winter vegetables, Nocera reports that "we have the volumes and consumption has increased, but prices remain medium-low. It seems retailers have focused on standard prices, which are struggling to increase. Anyway we are pleased with the sales of each product."
"When it comes to salad, we believe that, despite the good volumes, it almost looks like the end of the campaign if we consider the sales and prices on the foreign market. Unfortunately final consumers think more about making a purchase and pay more attention to special promotions."
The harvesting of dark zucchini is currently in full swing at Agrieuropa, and that of light-colored zucchini has just started. This summer, Agrieuropa will grow bell peppers for the first time, which are currently in the transplant phase. The company chose to do so to diversify its production. The first transplants of watermelons and mini-watermelons started in late February.
"This is our third year producing cucumbers, and we are expecting to increase volumes by around 40% this year. We are currently starting with the first transplants, to be harvested between May and November. The produce will be destined to the domestic market."
"Last but not least, we are observing the production of celeriac, which is new for us and will be harvested between late March and early April."
For further information:
Agrieuropa Soc. Coop. Agr.
S.S. 148 Pontina Km 97,700
04019 Terracina (LT) Italy
+39 0773 756158
+39 0773 756408
[email protected]
www.agrieuropa.it