"The harvesting of artichokes started on February 15th in Acerra (Neaples), around one month late due to the excessive low temperatures, frost and abundant rain. As a consequence, quantities are 30% less than last year, but demand is high and quotations are higher than average," explains Michele Trezza.
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"This year, the lively demand is met with a lower availability of produce due to the frost that hit the various production areas - Apulia and Sicily as well as Acerra."
The company is now being run by the third generation and Michele's son Giuseppe will run it in the future. It covers around 20 hectares of open fields in the Caivano and Acerra municipalities, destined to the cultivation of white cauliflowers, artichokes and potatoes.
The company boasts strong relations with the leading processing warehouses and general markets in Campania. It is now looking for new partners and will begin working with markets in northern Italy with the new cauliflower campaign in late September-early October.
"Harvesting should end towards mid-June but, in May, we will start delivering mini-artichokes, 90% of which are used to make preserves. They are rather popular every year, the important thing is to guarantee suitable grades and selected produce.
"Artichokes are my passion, I have been producing them since 1991. Every year, I researched many varieties to find the Roman type that worked best for me. Maybe I have finally managed it! I believe artichoke cultivation is a sector that needs to be believed and invested in and, despite the risks involved, I will plant one additional hectare in July. We all know agriculture is a sector where investments are made at a risk, especially when it comes to artichokes, as their annual cycle and harvesting is concentrated in a short time so, if the market stops, that's it."
"In a moment such as this one, we would like to be considered and helped more, as we are a primary sector, not the fifth wheel."
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Michele Trezza
Via Alcide De Gasperi 217
80011 Acerra (NA) – Italy
+39 333 3351938
micheletrezza20@gmail.com