The bad weather in February 2018, characterised by low temperatures, rain, wind and snow, has led to a considerable drop (as much as -80%) in early radicchio in the Chioggia area.
Covers were taken off around ten days later than usual, so a delay in harvesting (usually carried out in early April) was expected.
Harvesting started during the second week of April, though quantities are very low, as much as -80% compared to last year: from one thousand tons during the first two weeks of 2017 to the 200 tons of this year.
"This is not due to a reduction in investments, as they are similar to last year according to nursery gardeners," points out Giuseppe Boscolo Palo, sole administrator of the Chioggia fresh produce market and President of Consorzio di Tutela del Radicchio di Chioggia.
Last year, hail on Easter Sunday penalised radicchio production leading to losses of around 30%. Nonetheless, 6,500 tons were collected in spring.
"This year, the situation is even worse and it doesn't seem like it will change. Such a drop in volumes has never been recorded and yields are expected to be much below the norm. We believe we will see consistent losses day after day, so much so that the produce collected in April will be more than halved."
"But it doesn't end there. Due to the incessant rain, February and March transplants were carried out with plants that were older than the usual thirty days from sowing and the soil was often soaked. A drop in volumes harvested is expected for May as well, not only in Chioggia, but in other production areas as well."
"Even though the market is not the only one collecting radicchio (many companies stipulate chain contracts), the situation shouldn't be much different anywhere else."
"This year, the situation is even worse and it doesn't seem like it will change. Such a drop in volumes has never been recorded and yields are expected to be much below the norm. We believe we will see consistent losses day after day, so much so that the produce collected in April will be more than halved."
"But it doesn't end there. Due to the incessant rain, February and March transplants were carried out with plants that were older than the usual thirty days from sowing and the soil was often soaked. A drop in volumes harvested is expected for May as well, not only in Chioggia, but in other production areas as well."
"Even though the market is not the only one collecting radicchio (many companies stipulate chain contracts), the situation shouldn't be much different anywhere else."