Currently, the prices of artichokes are very satisfying in the entire country and hopefully they will remain positive at least until Easter. The quality is excellent, with some issues in Puglia due to frost. In the last few days Mauro Masini, of the "Microplant" company that is specialized, among other things, in the propagation of the artichoke plant (see the article published by FreshPlaza on 30/01/2019), has paid a visit to several producers of artichokes who have opted for the Microplant plants.
"The first producer I visited was Gianluca Poggi, who operates in Valdaso, in the province of Fermo, in the Marche region, He began with harvesting a few days ago and is already very satisfied with the quality of the plants. Due to the mild climate, the harvest began earlier than expected. Additionally, the fact that the plants are well exposed to the sun has also contributed to the early harvest. The prices that he proposes are very good, approximately € 5 - € 6 per kilo, or about € 1 per head".
The quality of the artichokes of the Marche-based company is excellent, the plants are uniform and well-coloured. This variety is known as "Romanesco". The transplant was carried out in early July, another factor that is causing a rather early harvest.
Gianluca Poggi and Mauro Masini
Mauro Masini adds that even in Battipaglia the situation seems to be very positive. "We have also visited the companies of some of our customers located in this area, who have already collected and marketed the artichokes at very good prices. Currently, they are harvesting the artichokes that have grown with a delay. The price is about € 0.70 - € 0.80 per artichoke. The productivity is promising, therefore even the gross saleable production will be positive".
Visit in Battipaglia
This year will be promising for the producers if the situation remains stable as it is. This is a positive aspect because in the last 2 or 3 years prices have been very low.
"However, as far as quality is concerned, a few problems arose for producers operating in some areas of Puglia, especially for those who have seen their crops being heavily damaged by frost. Due to these weather conditions, producers have to waste a significant amount of their produce and drastically lower the price of the flower heads", concludes Mauro Masini.
Contact:
Microplant
Via San Cristoforo 2135
47522 Cesena - Italy
Mobile: (+39) 347/1050539
Tel.: (+39) 0547 317319
E-mail: masinimauro@microplant.it
Website: www.microplant.it