In Italy, the commercial campaign for unrefrigerated garlic is coming to an end, but sales of the chilled product are about to begin. "The quantities available are limited, due to the smaller quantities produced in the last campaign," explains Antonio Tuccillo, director of Agrimpex Farming.
"In the areas of Piacenza, Ferrara and Rovigo, production was of good quality but of low calibre, which affected the yield. Prices were satisfactory, as the international market was always showing an upward trend, but it should also be remembered that production costs have risen considerably compared to previous years."
According to Tuccillo, garlic from Spain and China is now available on the European market at high prices. The quantities available may seem low, but they are certainly higher than last year. In fact, for the same quantity stored, this year's yield is certainly higher because of the good quality stored; last year the post-processing yield was around 40-50%. At the moment we are around 70-80%.
Argentina, the most important producer in the southern hemisphere, will soon be ready to harvest, "which is expected to be of good quality, weather permitting," says Tuccillo.
Sowing in the northern hemisphere
"While the other hemisphere is thinking about harvesting, the northern hemisphere is planting. According to the forecasts, the quantities are likely to be slightly higher than last year."
First garlic sowings in the south of Italy
"These are crucial weeks for the planting of garlic. In fact, we will see later on whether it will really be possible to complete it without any problems due to the weather and the difficulties that have characterised the last period," concludes Tuccillo.
Photos provided by Antonio Tuccillo
For more information: agrimpexfarming.it