In the Metapontino area, in Basilicata, the 2021/22 strawberry season is likely to see an increase of about 10-15%, with an additional 100 hectares compared to the previous campaign. This year, the most planted varieties in the southern Italian region are Inspire, Fortuna and Marimbella (the order is random), as well as Sabrosa-Candonga and NSG120 (Rossetta®).
The forecasts are based on the data provided by some propagation companies and on the testimonies we have collected in recent days from many strawberry growers in Basilicata, who, given the excellent results obtained in the previous season, have decided to individually increase the hectares planted.
The region of Basilicata, therefore, could beat its own record, reached in the last season with 998 hectares. The general increase of the surfaces is however worrying some operators, not only for the possible concentration of production in the most important months of the campaign (March-May), but especially for the strong lack of labor.
Further data will be published in the coming weeks, with the classification of the type of plant and of the most common varieties in Basilicata.