Sicilian garlic from Nubia (PT) risks not reaching the tables of many Italian and European consumers this year. But why? The answer is sad, yet simple - fall rain was so abundant that it flooded the fields, impeding sowing operations.
Red garlic from Nubia
FreshPlaza has talked about it with the president of Coop Rosso Nubia Gianni Manuguerra, who reported that the "rain between November and early December was so abundant that the soil could not drain it, so we could not prepare it for sowing. Some fields remain inaccessible to this day and many others are not ready for sowing preparation. We are trying to recuperate, but we cannot go beyond February 10th not to affect the great quality of our garlic, which is known and appreciated all over Europe."
The current condition of the fields.
"We would never compromise on quality to make a sale, it would mean betraying our loyal consumers. Red garlic from Nubia is in fact know for its very high allicin content, a substance that gives bulbs their unmistakable aroma while making them easily digestible and with a delicate flavor. This year, therefore, there will be 40% less than the usual volumes, which hover around 100 tons."
This is what fields should normally look like this time of year
Of course it is not just a question of meeting the needs of garlic connoisseurs, but of the fact that many producers and their families will suffer from the loss of profit, as they make their living from this crop.
Gianni Manuguerra, president of Coop.
"The alternative in normal times would be to plant open field vegetables but, with the huge increase in production costs, not everyone can face further costs."
Difficult times are ahead for growers of red garlic from Nubia and the resilience typical of farmers is the only way to survive.
For further information:
Gianni Manuguerra
Cooperativa Agricola Rossonubia 
Via Garibaldi 4 Nubia
91027 Paceco - Italy
+39 3498659474
info@agliorossodinubia-produttori.com