"We have reached 80% of the apricot campaign and we are currently harvesting late varieties. Quality is excellent and feedback is good. We could say this phase has no peaks - either negative or positive - and the campaign will end by August 10th," reports Natalino Gallo, president of the Organizzazione di produttori Agricor of Corigliano-Rossano (CS), owner of the Gallo brand.
The Op Agricor season started in mid-May with very limited volumes and a precise choice: waiting a few days and not being the first on the market, also reducing turnover, "but focusing on supplying fruits that taste like actual apricots."
Nelson variety (photo supplied by Natalino Gallo)
"We have managed to deal with the general price increases and the effects of climate change. The main problem however has been the lack of labor (both skilled and unskilled): we are no longer selecting personnel, we are merely looking for people who want to work. For example, in August we had planned to widen our varietal range and plant new orchards, however we could not do it due to the lack of labor."
"I believe a cultural revolution is needed in this country to find a solution to this serious obstacle. Either we tackle this problem, or many companies will risk closing down. We should reward those who work, not those who stay home with unemployment benefits or the 'citizenship income'."