In Italy, the Psa led to a reduction of kiwi production form 500,000 to 400,000 in one year. Lazio, the region where 33% of Italian kiwis are produced, was particularly affected.
Marcello Caminati, owner of a commercial farm in Lazio, told FreshPlaza that "as regards kiwis, our first orchard is 26 years old, whereas the youngest is 15 years old."
Marcello Caminati.
"Our company has always produced Hayward kiwis and, even though bacteriosis usually affects yellow kiwis, there have been some problems with the green varieties as well. For example, 20% of our youngest orchard was affected. We used to produce 60 tons of kiwis a year whereas now we can only produce 47."
The company disinfects plant after harvesting, after leaves fall and before and after pruning to prevent bacteriosis. Equipment is disinfected too.
"Our produce has the PGI "Kiwis from Latina" mark, but not many others have it as they do not have big enough storage. Currently, only 150,000 tons of kiwis from the Latina province have the PGI mark."
As regards prices, there is a slight increase due to the quantity of produce affected by bacteriosis. "Mild temperatures in winter meant that blossoming is early, just like it was for prunes, our other product." The company cultivates 3 ha of Angeleno, one of TcSun and one of Fortune.
"Harvesting of Fortune is normally carried out in early July, TcSun are harvested in early August and Angeleno in early September. Kiwis instead are harvested in November."
"Our produce is packaged in an Apofruit warehouse. The cooperative gathers 600 members."
Caminati has the GlobalGAP and Tesco Nature's Choice certifications.
Contacts:
Azienda agricola Caminati Marcello
Via Longarina, 1
Borgo Podgora
04100 Latina - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 338 3772228
Email: marcello.caminati@pec.coldiretti.it