"This is a problem especially in the Foggia and Metaponto areas. The recent rain and snow should help fill reservoirs, so there should be water available for those looking to programme vegetable crops," explains Giovanni Orioli (in the photo), pepper sales specialist at Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds.
Balzac peppers
Considering the dry weather, those who decided to leave land free for vegetable crops in spring-summer decided to sow cereal in February to avoid leaving the fields empty. "Although water is available at the moment, there is less land destined to pepper cultivation."
Peppers - Foggia (Rialto variety)
This won't lead to a gap in a specific period, but rather to a lack of produce throughout the commercialisation period. "This means it should be a positive season for peppers."
Italy continues to be an importer country, especially from Spain (Lamuyo and Blocky) and the Netherlands (Blocky).
Organic peppers - Potenza (Pompeo variety)
"Those who continue to grow tomatoes on smaller areas are highly-specialised companies. The lower produce available could lead to higher imports, but it seems foreign countries have also reduced pepper crops due to drought and market trends."
According to Orioli, another factor that strongly affect the sector is the negative commercial season of all autumn and winter crops, especially for what concerns brassicas and fennel.
Peppers - Foggia (Rialto and Pompeo varieties).
The situation remains unchanged from a varietal point of view. "The red Pompeo and yellow Rialto varieties continue to be the most popular on open fields, while Balzac is the most popular in greenhouses."
The Italian fresh and processed produce markets continue to require the Lamuyo variety, but demand is growing for niche varieties such as Corno di Toro, friariello and Topepo.
Balzac peppers
For further information:
Giovanni Antonio Orioli - pepper sales specialist
Cell.: +39 348 3955439
Email: giovanni.orioli@bayer.com