"Over the past few years, in Piedmont, the areas dedicated to hazelnut cultivation have increased by 10-12%, and also Campania, historically the leading hazelnut producer, is actually experiencing the same," explains Mauro Forneris.
According to Istat data, hazelnuts are cultivated in the entire region except for the Novara province. Cuneo is the leading producer with 11 thousand hectares, followed by Asti with 4 thousand hectares, Alessandria with 1500 hectares and Turin with 400 hectares. 95% of the produce is grown using integrated methods, while the remaining 5% is organic.
"As temperatures were high in winter, pollination lasted 4 months from December until March, so we have a variety of grades available."
Hazelnut blowing (Photo: Sonnati)
There have been a few problems due to fungi (powdery mildew and branch cankers) and bacteriosis, and particular attention was paid to the brown marmorated stink bug. "We have carried out inspections starting from mid-May and it looks like the strategies adopted were successful in limiting the damage."
Hazelnut harvesting (Photo: Sonnati)
Harvesting started mid-August and will continue until early September, quality is excellent. Yields were initially at 42% but lately are reaching 45% with peaks of 49%. Production per hectare may even reach 25 quintals in the areas not affected by bad weather.
Claudio Sonnati states that, "according to the quotations offered by the two leading fairs in Piedmont, starting prices of shelled hazelnuts should be around €8-9. The price per quintal should hover between €320 and €420."
Most of the produce is destined to the processing industry, although an increasing number of growers are investing to supply shelled hazelnuts, flour, paste, sweets, etc.
Agrion technicians added that "despite the fact that our hazelnuts are actually more popular abroad than in Italy, quantities exported are still not significant."
Contacts:
Forneris Mauro e Claudio Sonnati
Agrion -Fondazione per la ricerca l'innovazione e lo sviluppo tecnologico dell'agricoltura piemontese
Via Falicetto, 24
12030 Manta (CN)
Tel.: (+39) 0175 1953030
Centro Sperimentale per la Corilicoltura
Strada Provinciale, 31/2 – 12050 Cravanzana (CN)
Recapito: Unione Montana Alta Langa, via Oberto, 1
12060 Bossolasco (CN) – Telefono 0173 799000
Email: m.forneris@agrion.it
Email: c.sonnati@agrion.it