The bad weather that hit Sicily last Friday, 17 January, caused significant damage to fruit and vegetable production, confirming that the red warning considered by many to be an exaggeration was actually justified.
Sebastiano Fortunato
Although the data are still provisional, an initial survey carried out in almost all Sicilian provinces shows that the bad weather affected various areas, with more significant damage in the southeastern part of the island. Taking stock of the situation is Sebastiano Fortunato, president of the Consorzio di tutela del Pomodoro di Pachino Igp, who provided a preliminary assessment of the effects on the Syracuse area.
"It could have been worse, considering the weather forecasts. Luckily, the cyclone moved. Had it hit us with its full intensity, the consequences would have been devastating. We are currently assessing the damage, including flooding and structural damage to greenhouses, which we will also be quantifying from an economic standpoint over the next few days."
The manager emphasizes how the bad weather has caused extensive damage to plastic covers and more. A problem that affects not only the Syracuse area but also other coastal areas in southern Sicily. "The repercussions on production will be inevitable," continues Sebastiano Fortunato. "The crops that have been damaged directly, together with those affected by the intense rainfall, risk developing diseases such as botrytis and other fungal infections. In the coming days, we will evaluate the possibility of applying for aid for natural disasters."
Domestic market and internationalisation strategies
Despite the difficulties, Fortunato reports a recovery in the market: "After a very critical phase between November and December 2024, with prices below production costs, the situation has improved. At present, quotations are in line with the value of our PGI product, and demand comes mainly from the domestic market, where big retail chains value the peculiarities of the Italian produce of certified quality. We have been promoting PGI Pachino tomatoes on the international market in collaboration with ICE Italia for some time and, thanks to targeted communication initiatives, we are achieving modest results. There are still obstacles to overcome and we are in constant dialogue with the Italian authorities to unlock markets that are strategic for us."
International competitiveness and cost sustainability
Competition with North African, Turkish, and Albanian products remains a crucial challenge for Italian producers.
"Producing Italian tomatoes, regardless of whether PGI-certified or not entails considerable expenses. Over 50% of production costs are linked to labor, which in Italy is protected by social and economic standards in line with European regulations. This represents an added value for our product but, at the same time, it makes us less competitive compared to producers in other countries where labor costs are much lower. The dignity of workers is guaranteed here, but can the same be said elsewhere? Moreover, some states do not have our phytosanitary safety standards."
For more information:
Sebastiano Fortunato
Consorzio di Tutela Pomodoro di Pachino Igp
Via Milano, 2
96018 Pachino (SR)
+39 0931 595106
[email protected]
www.igppachino.it