The citrus fruit campaign is proceeding as reported so far. However, at times, we should take some elements less for granted. Angelo Migliorisi (in the photo below), producer and expert, talked about the current situation.
The value of heritage
"Citrus fruit cultivation is now a considerable environmental, landscape and cultural heritage that can relaunch the agriculture and, more in general, the economy of a considerable part of the domestic territory. This heritage must be safeguarded and promoted not only for obvious socioeconomic reasons, but also to preserve traditional landscapes. Italian citrus fruit cultivation is an excellency due to the high quality of its products in both organoleptic and nutritional terms. There are around 60 thousand businesses producing 2.8 million tons, 1.6 of which is constituted by oranges (i.e. almost 60% of the entire citrus fruit sector, worth around €1 million)."
"These are significant figures that also include branded products. The Italian production boasts high quality with specific characteristics connected to the single territories. Just think about blood oranges from Etna, Femminello lemons from Syracuse or late tangerines from Ciaculli. Without forgetting that Sicilian citrus fruit is good anyway because it is healthy and nutritious."
Focusing on crop technique innovation
"Consumers are increasingly interested when it comes to environmental problems. This determined the birth of businesses that go beyond organic cultivation and are adopting crop techniques to preserve and strengthen natural fertility through the use of probiotic microorganisms that act following a principle of dominance. There is no doubt that it would lead to a lower production, but the added value will no doubt be high. This way, small businesses can think about entering a niche market. It would be useful if agricultural policies were more interested in such businesses and certified their higher quality."
"Unfortunately we also have to deal with the difficulties to export to the foreign markets. While it seems the EU is placing few limitations on incoming goods, it seems very difficult to sell abroad. 2019 saw the opening of the Chinese market, but we are not the only ones exporting there and we do not have the same volumes Spain has."
Monitoring plant diseases in entry points
"The SFR (phytosanitary service) in Sicily is doing an excellent job, but the liberal laws may nullify its efforts. The Italian citrus fruit sector must ask politics to pay more attention so as to avoid diseases such as the Black Spot, which would mean the end of an entire segment and therefore put thousand of families in crisis."