During the Fruitimprese Veneto assembly of 6th December 2019, Fruitimprese president Marco Salvi stated that "first of all, companies need to be economically sustainable, otherwise all types of sustainability are impossible."
"Our businesses need to focus on product innovation more, because the market rewards what is new. In addition,we cannot deprive producers of all molecules, otherwise they would succumb against diseases and insects. The fact that Europe is open to imports while, in order to export, each state must present its own dossier is ridiculous."
The president is very worried about the recent data, which show that Italy has been exporting less and importing more, meaning the balance of trade could be negative for the first time in history.
"The big retail chain manages 60-90% of the market, so fair relationships with retailers are needed to establish a short chain. We are both producers and packagers and deal with retailers directly with no intermediaries. Nonetheless, resources are not distributed equally."
Stefano Pezzo, president of the Venetian delegation, analyzed the situation in the Veneto region. Apples, kiwifruit, strawberries and vegetables are the most exported products, though there is preoccupation when it comes to both production and prices.
MEP Mara Bizzotto also took part and explained that "the agricultural world has many problems and Italians are trying to work as a team as much as possible within the European Parliament. I agree with what president Salvi said: we all want a healthier and more sustainable environment, but companies bust be economically sustainable as well. We must safeguard the environment, but we also need to safeguard agriculture and businesses."
"2020 will be a key year, as the CAP and multi-annual plan will be discussed. We must not cut resources destined to agriculture nor undermine the work of companies in the name of the environment."