The cherry campaign has ended in Apulia, but the anger of producers after a year characterized by low prices and daily protests has not diminished, especially since the first statements for the 2021 seasons have been drafted. "From what we have calculated, there is basically no profit this year when you take into consideration labor and management costs. This is why I have decided to uproot the first 2 hectares of cherry trees of some early and late varieties (Ferrovia, Giorgia, Bigarreau and Grey Star) and will uproot more soon," reports Leonardo De Leo, an entrepreneur based in Sammichele di Bari who owns 10 hectares of cherry orchards.
Uprooting of cherry trees in Sammichele di Bari in July 15th 2021.
"When you understand how low revenue is, you convince yourself the best thing to do is limit your effort and disappointment. You prefer a calmer life, with fewer hectares that can be managed by the family, rather than looking for labor and going into debt due to the various expenses to be sustained even before you can harvest one single cherry. Uprooting is the last thing growers want to do, but the trend of this past cherry campaign has led many to act in a way they would never have thought possible. We have collected many tons but only earned peanuts."
"90% of uprooted trees was transplanted 7 years ago, so they were fully productive. The soil will remain uncultivated, or maybe I might use it to grow cereal so I can benefit from CAP funds. This is a limiting choice that does not help us grow on an entrepreneurial level. I am aware of this, as I am aware of the fact that, this way, we will remain a small business. But rather than tell us how to do our job, everyone should focus on their own jobs."
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