Broccoli and cauliflower harvests in northern Greece experienced a challenging beginning in September, as both their volume and quality were affected by the heat. However, Mr. Lazaros Sarvanis, owner of the growing and packing company Agroktima Sarvani in Pella, says that all these problems belong to the past: "For quite some time now, we have been seeing good-looking and quality products. What's more, the yield per hectare has increased. Quality and volume are inseparably linked in these crops. Both will be either low or high. Currently, we get 15 tons per hectare in broccoli and more than 20 tons per hectare in cauliflower."
Agroktima Sarvani exports to Germany, Holland, and Cyprus, and according to its owner, packers should be satisfied with the course of exports so far. "As packers, we are receiving prices 20% higher compared to last season. Currently, prices stand at 1,5 euros/kg for broccoli and 0,80 euros/kg for cauliflower."
The Greek entrepreneur has received unexpected requests following the floods in Valencia. "After this terrible disaster in Valencia, we were contacted by people we did not expect at all to ask for broccoli and cauliflower from us. Generally, broccoli and cauliflower are difficult to cultivate since they are open-field crops that can't be grown in greenhouses. This means that it may happen that Spaniards or Italians lack the product while we have it, or vice versa. But what happened in Valencia exceeds the norm."
As for the remainder of the winter season, Mr. Sarvanis says that if the weather continues to be as warm as it is now, then the hectare yield won't change much: "With temperatures close to zero or below, yields could shrink. However, due to climate change, temperatures do not fall so much anymore. So, for Christmas we expect similar yields per hectare as we have now."
Finally, despite the fact that purple and yellow cauliflowers represent new entries to the market, Mr. Sarvanis prefers the traditional white varieties: "My clients don't ask for these new varieties, and personally, I don't trust that they can be profitable. Purple and yellow cauliflowers are destined for a very limited target group of consumers who can afford their prices. Our philosophy is to have massive production of quality, and affordable products that can be sought by the majority of the market."
For more information:
Lazaros Sarvanis
Agroktima Sarvani
Tel: +30 239 109 1098
Mob: +30 694 437 0059
Email: [email protected]
https://sarvanisfarm.gr/