"The Sicilian orange campaign is rather slow, which is unexpected, considering the high quality of the fruit. It is not the low grades that are slowing down consumption but, rather, we believe it is the economic crisis caused by Covid-19. Families cannot spend as much and are trying to gauge how the situation will evolve. We are hoping this situation will end with the vaccines," reports Rocco Patrì, president of OP Eco Farm, a well-known fruit company located in central Sicily.
Rocco and Giuseppe Patrì
"Consumption is not as lively as it was last spring, when Covid itself pushed the purchase of products with a high vitamin-C content. We are also expecting that, as restrictions will hopefully be lifted from May onwards, there will be an increase in the consumption of summer fruits, starting with netted melons."
"We expanded the netted melon crops this year to reach 100 hectares in total so as to produce around 4000 tons. It is a step forward to reward our partners and supply our clients with exceptional quality. The growth of netted melon plants is looking good and harvesting will start in April," reveals Patrì.
"The longing for normal life will also favor the consumption of stone fruit. There have been considerable investments due to the success of the past few years and the availability of European funds. We may have reached the end of a stagnating period that lasted years, and a 30% growth is expected," adds Maurizio Fiorenza, sales manager at Eco Farm.
"We have great expectations for the new government, as we believe it could attract new investments also for the agricultural policies. After all, varietal and technological innovation are pivotal for the progress of the agricultural segment and must be supported. Our stone fruit production in 2021 confirms the quantities of 2020: 5000 tons of peaches, 4000 tons of nectarines and 2500 tons of apricots. We are looking to considerably expand the orchards over the next three years."
Contacts
O.P. Eco Farm s.r.l.
Legal headquarters: Viale della Regione, 232 
93100 Caltanissetta
Stabilimenti: C.da Judeca
93011 Butera (CL)
Tel.: +39 0934 921558
Fax: +39 0934 922362
Email: info@ecofarmitalia.com
Website: www.ecofarmitalia.com