The high temperatures registered from 15th July onward have drastically hindered the productivity of green beans. When thermometers reached and even exceeded 40°C, plants lost their flowers and gross saleable production dropped drastically. We are talking about east Emilia-Romagna, but the same applies to other production areas.
An operator explains that production remained minimal between 15th and 31st August. Setting could only be salvaged through constant monitoring and irrigation.
"Things are now getting back to normal and prices are good at around €0.70-1/kg. However, yields per hectare remain below expectations."
Germination was hindered by drought
The higher prices are only paid for the best batches that are almost perfect, but quantities are limited. The market reawakened after 15th August and is now rather lively. Wholesale markets are very receptive, but retailers are also requiring good packaged produce.