"Italy: Organic, "Summer" and available all year round - these are the oranges of Campobasso Marco"

Commercial farm Campobasso Marco has been producing organic citrus fruit in Lago d'Anice, near the coastal pine forest along the Ionic sea near Taranto, since 2005. In this area, which is rich in spring water and has the ideal weather conditions, the farm grows 25 hectares of Valencia (almost 50%), Navel (40%) and Tarocco oranges, as well as clementines and Miyagawas (similar to a tangerine).

The company has a processing and packaging warehouse where produce is selected, washed, graded and packed. Energy is supplied thanks to a photovoltaic plant and the warehouse is also equipped with a cold storage unit for the cooling and the storing of fruit in order to maintain its organoleptic qualities especially during the warm season.

"The peculiar thing about my company is that fruit is produced 52 weeks a year," explains Marco Campobasso (in the photo).

Another peculiarity regards Valencia oranges. In Sicily, for example, they are harvested between February and March whereas in Lago d'Anice fruits ripen only in May - when plants start to re-blossom - because of the latitude. This means that ripening abruptly slows down towards the end and carries on slowly throughout Summer. Harvesting therefore starts between May and June, after 13 months from blossoming, and carries on until late Autumn.

"Growing organic Valencia oranges at this latitude means our production is unique, especially since during Summer oranges come mainly from the Southern hemisphere - South Africa, Argentina and Zimbabwe - and have to face many days of maritime transport before reaching European markets. Consumers have in the years appreciated and awarded our fresh product," continues Marco, reminding us that consumers think of this variety as a refreshing juicy Summer orange.

Ripen and green oranges alternate on Valencia trees.

"In fact, at a national level, prices this week are very interesting, starting from €2.40/kg, thanks to the fact that the product is now consolidated on the market as it is very much appreciated and often in demand. Prices are good abroad too, but we must encourage buyers with promotions or tastings in order to get past the initial skepticism of new potential clients. We mainly supply Munich and, more in general, small shops in Germany and France," concludes Marco Campobasso.

At the moment, the company is harvesting organic Valencia oranges and it will then continue with organic Miyagawas at the end of September.

Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Campobasso Marco
Tenuta di Lago d'Anice
Contrada Orsanese
74011 Castellaneta Marina (TA)
Tel./Fax: (+39) 099 8430244
Cell.: (+39) 348 6099685
Email: marco_campobasso@libero.it
Web: www.tenutadilagodanice.it