Some companies in the province of Ferrara have started harvesting Abate pears, anticipating an earlier harvest time compared to past years. This was confirmed by Allison Menegatti, who works in her partner's company, located in Voghiera.
"Qualitatively, this year is one of the best years for the Abate," said Allison Menegatti. "The fruits have a beautiful color (off the net), a good size and a well distributed rustiness. Unfortunately, the spring frost has affected some farms, even losing up to 40% of the product. Serious damage has hit the calyx and this represents a major problem, in addition to the Alternariasis, which has struck many companies."
Allison Menegatti during the first day of harvest (08/24/2020)
However, based on the quantity of flowers this spring, a yield of 20-25 tons per hectare is expected: "With the exception of young plants, which have limited productivity. I work in the company owned by my partner, located in the town of Voghiera. We have gone from 5.5 hectares to just over 3 hectares today. This year's harvest is at least 10 days early for the off-grid sites. After the penetrometer analysis on 24 August 2020, we registered an average of 6 points or even less. We sell the product to a local dealer."
In recent seasons, the Plv (gross saleable production) proved unsatisfactory, due to several reasons. "In order to improve the income of producers, in my opinion, it would be necessary to re-establish a healthy relationship between the production and trade sectors, perhaps by establishing an external control and supervision company, where equity is established. The management costs of cooperatives are too high, and this is certainly at the expense of the producer. Furthermore, with regard to phytosanitary issues, if there is the intention of preserving this sector, it will be necessary to set up a table between agronomists and phytopathologists, to study together on how to address the present and the future of our industry."
Allison concluded that "It would be interesting, in my opinion, to obtain grants for the loss of produce due to phytosanitary problems, so as to support companies. In conclusion, I believe that having the opportunity to secure income would certainly be of help nowadays."