Over the past few years, Davide Modigliani has adopted solutions to achieve good organoleptic quality and yields: a planting layout of 2.5 between trees and 5.40 between rows and covering nets to create a tunnel for each row. Most cherries have a grade of 30+.
"I don't think you need an orchard with thousands of plants per hectare if then the gross saleable production is the same and quality is not rewarded. I have around 800 plants per hectare and believe we should start thinking about affordable solutions for producers. We cannot afford huge investments, especially since we're not certain of our profit."
The producer calculated a cost of around €50,000 per hectare for his protection system against rain, hail, insects and birds. "I designed most of it and will install the nets on the next orchards as well, though I will use less fabric."
Modigliani sells his produce directly to companies and supplies retailers. The price is the the same. "This year, I'm selling at €5.50/kg. The price remains the same throughout the campaign, the only difference is given by the grade. I do this because consumers need to understand fruit has a value and producers must make a profit. To me, it doesn't make sense to start with €10/kg and end the season with €2. Consumers get confused." He produces around 9 tons per hectare.
High-quality is obtained "slowing down" cycles and supplying the minimum through fertigation. It's the only way to obtain a unique product with an aroma appreciated by consumers.
"In order to stagger ripening, I planted multiple varieties including Grace Star and Sweet Early. Treatments include a pre-blossoming one against aphids, one against Rhagoletis cerasi and one against monilia. Then, thanks to the nets, I no longer needed to intervene."
Contacts:
Modigliani Frutta
Via Vetreto 264
Cesenatico (FC)
Tel: 0547/311002
Email: d.modigliani@libero.it
Web: www.modiglianifrutta.it