The winter vegetable season is in full swing in Sicily and FreshPlaza talked about it with Carmelo Calabrese from OP Fonteverde in Ispica (RG).
Carmelo Calabrese
"During this part of the year, we are essentially busy with the harvesting of zucchini and bell peppers. As for the former, quotations have picked up after the holiday period, as usually happens. The situation should remain such as the temperatures drop, also because there is not much produce available due to the New Delhi virus. This year, the disease struck much more than last year, which will cause a reduction in yields. Quotations at origin currently hover around €1.50-1.60/kg and they will probably stay like this for the next few weeks, or even increase. This refers to September and October transplants in polytunnels."
Photo taken before Covid
"Bell peppers are traditionally subjected to fewer oscillations. They currently hover between €1.00-1.10/kg in the field, while there are no production problems and yields are in line with expectations. We will have to wait for February sales to make an assessment."
Photo taken before Covid
"In little more than a month, we will start harvesting Pgi new carrots from Ispica. After the worries due to the unusual heavy rain in November, December was very dry, so soil conditions balanced out leading to an excellent produce growth. Quality and quantities should be in line with expectations."
"In the meantime, we have started transplanting Red Falcon melons and will continue throughout February. Harvesting will start in April and probably continue until June."
For further information: 
Carmelo Calabrese
OP Consorzio Fonteverde
Società Consortile Agricola a r.l.
C.da Fontanazza s.n.
97014 Ispica (RG) Italy
+39 0932 951484
patrizia@fonteverde.com
www.fonteverde.com