Italy: Damage not so bad at OP Giaccio

The first assessments can now be made after the cold front that swept through Italy last week has passed. Temperatures in the south have now increased and operators can finally inspect the fields.

"The temperature in our area has suddenly increased and, even if it's still snowy in the north, deliveries are carried out without any problem. The situation doesn't seem to be as bad as it first looked, although frost has made a few damages," explains Antonio Giaccio from OP Giaccio Frutta in Vitulazio (Caserta).

Deliveries in the Cesena area on March 1st.

Extra-early stone fruit has been compromised. "Although our producers in Puglia and Basilicata report that 100% of the extra-early fruit has been damaged."

Most of the produce collected by the PO comes from Campania so, according to Antonio, harvesting and commercialisation should proceed as planned. Puglia will only commercialise medium-late stone fruit, though.

Many companies in Campania have implemented anti-frost systems in peach orchards. "Mother Nature has been playing tricks for the past few years, so many have chosen these solutions to keep productions safe."

"As regards strawberries, most of the fruit is safe as many used wool covers. 30% of the produce was lost anyway as the flowers of the strawberries ready for harvesting in 15 days' time have burned due to the frost."

Contacts:
OP Giaccio Frutta soc. coop. agricola
Località Fontana
881041 Vitulazio (CE)
Tel.: +39 (0)823 990686
Fax: +39 (0)823 967621
Email: giacciofrutta@libero.it
Web: www.giacciofrutta.it