Lack of data on Sicilian mushroom cultivation
We talked about it with mushroom cultivation expert Santi Roberto La Falce.
"The lack of official data on the national and local production dictates that we focus on current market dynamics and collect information directly from businesses. I've seen that, in most cases, demand exceeded supply and average sales prices were higher due to the lower produce available."
"Unfortunately, Pleurotus has to deal with difficulties affecting production. Research is essential in this case. I'd like to ask the category to dedicate suitable resources to this variety. We don't have time to waste, we must intervene! In the meantime, we must focus on develop cultivation techniques."
"Cleanliness is everything in our line of work, so I advise growers to strictly follow cultivation techniques and distrust the indications provided by improvised specialists. Corporate innovation is also essential to adapt production rhythms to income needs. Obsolescence must be tackled by making production and resources more efficient."
One of the biggest problems in the sector is the lack of statistical data. "Companies should keep a register for their crops, as currently there is no reliable data on Sicilian mushroom cultivation. This in turn means producers continue to trust the calendar regardless of the external weather factors affecting growth and yields. Elements such as yields, diseases, temperature, humidity, growth, pressure and wind are important and can significantly affect production."