The 2018/19 citrus campaign, characterized by unfavorable weather especially when the fruits were developing their color, is ending with little enthusiasm in the Gulf of Taranto .
In this area, know for its ideal conditions for citrus fruit production, PGI clementines are rather popular.
FreshPlaza talked about it with Giovanni Romanazzi, one of the managers of ClemjPuglia, a cooperative that processes and commercializes citrus fruit.
"The weather affected the orange and tangerine production, as the hail in summer and autumn was followed by persistent rain and frost in the winter period."
"The commercialization of clementines is nearly over, while we have reached 70% for Navel. The produce is distributed to most retail chain and domestic intermediary markets."
"We are not at all pleased with the prices, which are always low for citrus fruit. During this campaign, we have recorded prices of €0.15-0.20/kg. We are working a lot on varietal innovation trying to extend the harvesting period with early and late varieties, which usually reach higher prices."
"We hope that things won't be the same next year and that Institutions pay more attention to the agricultural sector as well."