The situation is similar in the Taranto area. Almond trees are in bloom (see photo below), just like peach and apricot trees. Strawberries are already available.
The vegetable situation
"With these temperatures, everything is 15-20 days early. In addition, late cauliflowers are affected by the warm weather - they are hairy and it seems as if the leaves are trying to come out through the heads (see photo below)."
"There may be less produce available in the late period. But what counts is demand and, with these temperatures, it will be very low."
In addition, turnips have turned yellow - because temperatures were too high, they couldn't grow and the plants blossomed (see photo below).
The same happened with chicory. In the photo to the right, notice how the base has remained small.
In general, those vegetables that should have been ready in ten days' time can already be harvested. It is difficult to remain competitive with such low prices, it depends on the quality.
For what concerns consumption, the problem is vegetables are more popular when it's cold, fruit is doing better.
Rather than the cooperative, it is small producers who are most affected by this situation.
Agro Pontino
"We can't complain about the artichoke situation this year. We only had two days with freezing temperatures and plants were not affected."
"Broccoli and puntarelle are also early due to the warm temperatures. Markets are full and we have had enough of selling out or having to throw everything away."