Rocco De Ruggieri's company covers around 250 hectares in the Matera province and produces approximately 12 million kohlrabi plants a year, almost entirely destined abroad and to Germany in particular. Half of the hectares are fruit trees, while the other half is for vegetables (80 hectares of which are in greenhouses).
Rocco De Ruggieri
"Kohlrabi is produced on around 90 hectares. We grow almost 12 million plants every year and I think we are among the leading producers. Everything is cultivated in a protected environment to guarantee the high-quality and continuity of supplies, although this does increase production costs," explains sales manager Nicola Guida.
Right before harvesting
Morra is almost the only variety, although the company experiments with new ones every year. A cycle lasts 90 days on average and the produce is mostly sold to German retailers and general markets.
Operators harvesting kohlrabi
"Complications must be prevented at origin. Our technique is practically organic, as there are no registered defence active principles. We make sure there is no sign of bacteriosis right from the nursery. Seeds and plants are all monitored for prevention purposes," explains owner Rocco De Ruggieri.
The greenhouse after harvesting operations are over
This crop costs at least €13 thousand/hectare. Labour is essential in all phases, also because harvesting is carried out manually. The produce is placed in crates and the number depends on the grade.
"Quality is high when the leaves and stem are well-proportioned. The Morre variety has a light-green oval stem and is very popular. It grows well in our area but it must be protected in polytunnels. The frost on 28th February 2018 would have caused a lot of damage hadn't we had tunnels."
Crates with endive
Other vegetables produced include scarole, cauliflowers, Savoy cabbage, parsley, mixed salad and rocket. As for fruit, there are peaches, apricots and plums destined to be dried.
Contacts:
Troyli
Az. ag. Felice De Ruggieri
Strada Provinciale Tursi
Policoro (Matera) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0835 810061
Email: info@troyli.it