The cooperative was founded in 2003, but it was already working as a producer association as of 1997. It only uses organic plants coming from an associate nursery garden, in order to guarantee that cultivations are fully organic.
Carlo Nicotra, the manager, explained that "the weather in 2012 was the reason behind smaller grades."
The land is kept fertile using a mixture of sheep and legume manure. Sheep only eat in natural pastures, where during summer manure is collected from the barns used overnight. "Our avocados are really high quality. They have an intense nut-pistachio flavour and a high percentage of precious oils."
Hass is the most popular fruit in the European market. "Such a high quality that can be reached thanks to the soil and climate conditions of the member companies. For this reason, we can harvest and deliver avocados weekly from October to June, in pallets made up of 210 four-kilo boxes. From October to December, the Bacon and Fuerte varieties are also available."
Carlo Nicotra, the manager, explained that "the weather in 2012 was the reason behind smaller grades."
The land is kept fertile using a mixture of sheep and legume manure. Sheep only eat in natural pastures, where during summer manure is collected from the barns used overnight. "Our avocados are really high quality. They have an intense nut-pistachio flavour and a high percentage of precious oils."
Hass is the most popular fruit in the European market. "Such a high quality that can be reached thanks to the soil and climate conditions of the member companies. For this reason, we can harvest and deliver avocados weekly from October to June, in pallets made up of 210 four-kilo boxes. From October to December, the Bacon and Fuerte varieties are also available."
The manager also explains that, in the last ten years, prices have been quite stable, and actually there has been a slight increase. "The economic crisis did not influence our activity, it only made our production and logistics costs rise."
Currently, Sicily Avocado Farms exports to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland in compliance with commerce regulations provided by specifications which have been approved by both. The produce is transported by road.
"We process, select and check each fruit and each box. We harvest and ship our products in 24 to 48 hours. We only market organic fruit coming from member companies who have passed our tests."
Currently, Sicily Avocado Farms exports to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland in compliance with commerce regulations provided by specifications which have been approved by both. The produce is transported by road.
"We process, select and check each fruit and each box. We harvest and ship our products in 24 to 48 hours. We only market organic fruit coming from member companies who have passed our tests."
Pesticides are strictly forbidden. Sicily Avocado Farms has been using a prevention type of method for many years: 'suppressive soils' for 'bio control diseases' and biological control, using insectivorous insects to contrast phytofagus attacks.
"There is no particular competition for our high quality product. The Spanish product is the only one that at times can reach our standard. Our main challenge is in fact maintaining our organic quality, and letting our members plant only in suitable areas, where avocados can reach their maximum potential."
Sicily Avocado Farms has also helped develop other quality products such as annona cherimolas, "Dolce di Sicilia" pomegranates, Star Ruby grapefruit, mangos, limes, passion fruit, tamarillos, guavas and feijoas.
The cooperative has both the ICEA and Bio Suisse certifications.
For more information:
Carlo Nicotra - Manager
Sicily Avocado Farms Soc. Coop.
Email: avoprod@aguacate-vivai.it
Web: www.aguacate-vivai.it
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