The current horticultural year has not been particularly favourable in Sicily. As reported by Salvatore Licitra, agronomist and phytosanitary consultant at OP Albani, the critical points are mainly due to numerous phytopathological problems and the lack of molecules for crop protection.
This situation has a significant impact, especially considering that the company focuses on off-season cultivation.
OP Albani focuses its production on tomatoes for about 70%. The rest includes vegetables under protected cultivation, such as aubergines, cucumbers, courgettes, and peppers. The company is also currently starting the production of table grapes, both seeded and seedless, with a noticeable increase in demand for seedless grapes.
A group photo at the OP Albani stand: Salvatore Licitra (OP agronomist), Nuccia Alboni (partner), Rosalba Albani and agronomist Francesco Raniolo.
In addition to the domestic market, the company's main markets are Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Demand from consumers and retailers in these markets is generally in line. However, Salvatore Licitra has noticed a decrease in demand compared to previous years.
This is linked to increased competition from other players in the sector. The Mediterranean countries are particularly aggressive and competitive with regard to fruit. As for greenhouse vegetables, northern Europe is already well equipped and competitive at certain times of the year, leading to a loss of market share for Sicilian vegetable and fruit growers. Salvatore Licitra reports how a significant factor in this competitive scenario is the effect of climate change.
"Climate change is contributing to lower prices much earlier than in the past. This is because, even in Northern Europe, we see an earlier entry into production. As a result, competition is already very strong at times when Italian products, particularly Sicilian ones, were more sought after in the past. This dynamic translates into a contraction of the commercial window, which is already perceivable compared to five years ago."
Faced with this situation, an adjustment is necessary. Salvatore Licitra highlights the need to change the transplant periods, which requires organisation and investment in protected facilities. We are not necessarily talking only about above-ground cultivation, but also about equipping greenhouses with the ability to maintain lower temperatures than outside, using cooling systems. It is clear that the sector must move towards adopting other technologies to meet these challenges. OP Albani is already gearing up for this.
For more information:
Albani O.P. Soc. Coop. Agr
Via Firenze 1/D
97019 Vittoria (RG)
Italy
+39 0932 860053
[email protected]
https://albaniop.it/