Over the last few days, several images and videos of an Apulian cherry producer protesting against the significant drop in selling prices have been circulating on some main social networks.
On 31 May in Casamassima (Bari), a grower dumped several boxes of cherries on the street, drawing the attention of authorities, law enforcement agencies and citizens.
The wholesale price paid to growers for each kilogram of cherries harvested is around €1,00. In contrast, the price paid by consumers continues to rise. This is especially true for the Bigarreau and Giorgia varieties.
"We are being underpaid for our cherries to the point where we can't even cover the costs of production. Unfortunately, we are in a situation where we do not know whether to abandon the cherry orchards or to continue accepting this kind of commercial treatment," said a grower from the province of Bari.
The protest gesture by the Casamassima grower was motivated by despair, anger and, in part, also resignation. More cooperation is needed, as well as some concrete support by the growers' organizations of the sector.
Click here for another Facebook video featuring a grower who, instead of harvesting, prefers to shake the plants to drop the fruits.