"2022 is proving to be a very turbulent year from an agricultural point of view: we have not picked up any weapons yet, but we are certainly fighting an economic war," explains Vincenzo Di Pasquale, from the company creator of the Donnalia brand.
Apricot tree
"It seems like climate and production are becoming secondary aspects. Just think of the unusual situation we are currently facing, with the skyrocketing prices of energy and raw materials."
"The netted melon campaign in the Licata area will start in a month's time and the apricot campaign will start in May. Then it will be the turn of peaches and nectarines, so all we think about is trying to conclude contracts with packaging suppliers. Unfortunately, in some cases, there is the risk that we will be left with no packaging or that we will pay much more for it, as price lists seem to increase every 10/15 days. All related sectors are dealing with the increase in the prices of electricity and gas and the instability of diesel fuel. We are certain, however, that our clients, big retail chains and wholesalers will understand the problems we are facing. The full effect on final consumers will be visible over the next few months, but we hope everything will return back to normal soon."
"We are just as committed as usual despite the higher production costs. Our objective of growing high-quality produce does not change, because we want to bring to the tables of consumers excellent produce that lives up to the Donnalia brand. We would prefer to reduce volumes rather than put the credibility of Donnalia into question. At the moment, production is looking good as blossoming is generous, though we are expecting a delay of 15 days, as spring is rather slow."
"We remain optimistic because there are all the conditions for an excellent production. We let the perseverance typical of the farming tradition guide us trough these difficult times and continue working according to the best standards. The proof of this is the fact that, contrary to the current trend, we have envisaged a 25/30% increase in the production of netted melons and apricots compared to last year. We are hoping prices will be in line with this. In 2021, apricots obtained €0.60-0.90/kg on average."
For further information: 
Donnalia
Di Pasquale Srl
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italy
+39 0922 826009
amministrazione@dipasqualeortofrutta.com
www.donnalia.com