Having received its ministerial appointment on 21 November 2024, the renewed Consorzio Pesca di Verona Igp is dealing with the rebirth of peach and nectarine cultivation in the area with renewed enthusiasm. The newly appointed president, Leonardo Odorizzi, takes stock of the situation.
"We have 10 members, plus another ten who are about to join us as they have already applied. If everything goes to plan, we will have over a thousand tonnes of produce to market this year, a considerable leap forward compared to 2024. Our customers are located in Italy as well as abroad."
© Cristiano Riciputi | FreshPlaza.comFreshly harvested Crimson Lady peaches at the end of June 2024. They are labeled once packaged, and if they meet the specification parameters
The Consortium's strict specifications cover 22 varieties, including peaches and nectarines. Weather permitting, the PGI product is generally classified as such from the end of June, and harvesting operations continue until the end of August.
"We advise our members to protect their orchards with anti-hail and anti-frost systems, and we are also working at the regional level so that calls for tenders can be put in place to reduce the cost of the systems. As regards the recent drop in temperatures that affected several fruit-growing areas in Italy, the Verona area was only marginally affected and in restricted areas, but it is obvious that we need to protect crops against future events."
© Giancarlo Fabbri | FreshPlaza.comSome members of the consortium with Leonardo Odorizzi (centre) at the latest edition of Fruit Logistica
Replanting is the best signal for the Verona area: "Dozens of hectares have been replanted by farmers who are (or will soon be) members of the consortium, which is an important sign of the rebirth of the segment. We have organised training events and participation in trade fairs. During the marketing campaign, we will do point-of-sale promotional activities in order to inform consumers about the peculiarities of our product."
"We are very optimistic that we can achieve the actual rebirth of peach cultivation in the Verona area."
For more information 
Consorzio Pesca di Verona Igp
Via Molinara, 50
37012 Bussolengo (VR)
+39 045 6703089
info@pescadiveronaigp.it
www.pescadiveronaigp.it