Italy: Verna lemons to be cultivated for the first time

OP Armonia is the first organisation established in southern Italy to develop an import programme concerning citrus fruit from the southern hemisphere. Now the objective is to become one of the leading domestic operators in the lemon segment, able to supply high-quality produce 12 months a year.

Eureka lemons from South Africa.

In addition, OP Armonia decided to start producing Verna lemons - the Natura Più cooperative acquired 50 hectares in Calabria precisely with this purpose in mind.

The area is particularly suitable for lemon production, as these fruits are particularly sensitive to severe climatic conditions and need a mild climate with no risk of frost.

As explained by the agronomist and citrus fruit specialist Francesco Perri, the first trees were planted a month ago and more will be planted next year. "We will reach a significant production over the next 4 or 5 years."

Mr. Perri with agronomist Maria Grazia Milone, sales manager for Vivai Milone, in the micropropagation lab.

"Cultivated areas are rather abundant in Italy, however producers continued planting traditional cultivars. In recent years, due to skyrocketing prices caused by the lack of lemons on an international level, groves have increased in Italy as well. There is still room for the Verna variety though, as it is practically non-existent in Italy."

Verna lemon trees ready to be planted.

"The Verna variety is free, it is not protected by patents. It's a late-ripening clone imported from California. The plant material will be multiplied in Italy by Vivai Milone in Lamezia Terme (which also has the exclusive for late-ripening Sanzo clementines, currently being patented). We are working to reach the objective of 20 thousand trees cultivated by a single company in an area not affected by mal secco."

Verna lemon trees cultivated in polytunnels.

"We will also plant Femminello Siracusano 2KR, an Italian early-ripening variety harvested between October and February. Verna will cover the following period from March until the summer. These are two very productive cultivars and the fruits are appealing, very juicy and with a high citric acid content. In addition, as quality is very good, the two varieties can complement each other to complete the supply calendar."

Of course the Verna production won't satisfy domestic demand, so additional produce will have to be imported. "For now, the important thing is to start, our main objective is to prolong seasonality. It's the same thing we have been trying to do with clementines and oranges."

Contacts:
Marco Eleuteri - Sales director
Email: marco.eleuteri@aoparmonia.it
OP Armonia
Via Strada Privata Frigotirrena, 1
84091 Battipaglia (SA)
Tel.: (+39) 0828 316273
Fax: (+39) 0828 316234
Email: info@aoparmonia.it
Web: www.aoparmonia.it