The first harvesting operations of red onions from Acquaviva started just a few hours ago, with a 15 day delay with respect to the the past season when producers started operations on June 20th.
"We had to postpone the start of the campaign as there have been considerable phytosanitary problems with fungi caused by the incessant rain in May, which slowed down plant growth and bulb development and reduced yields by up to 40%. The ongoing rain and high degree of relative humidity dried plants day after day, as they were damaged by downy mildew," reported Giammarco Lionetti from Agriconetto.
Red onions from Acquaviva delle Fonti are well known to operators due to their organoleptic and beneficial qualities such as their sweetness, flat shape, high content of flavonoids and vitamins B and C and grades up to 1.2 kg. "From the sampling carried out at the peak of the outbreak, we had already noticed that the campaign would be an abnormal one, although we expected things to be worse. The current average grades are 300-400 g; while those above 700-900 g will be limited, although this does not seem to be a problem for our clients, so much so that the volumes handled at the start of the season are already looking interesting."
To compensate for the expenses incurred for defense treatments, the company explains that quotations are 12-15% higher than in 2022. "The campaign could end early despite starting very late. We are harvesting and placing onions in 10 kg cardboard crates. There is no need to stock them as demand is lively."
For further information:
Agriconetto Srl
Sede operativa - Sp 127 km1
70021 Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA)
+39 389 8286512
+39 333 6100998
agriconetto@gmail.com
agriconettosrl.com