The upcoming fig season is looking particularly difficult for producers in the Metaponto area of Basilicata. Forecasts indicate a significant drop in production, aggravated by two consecutive years of drought.
 © OP ANCONA |  © OP ANCONA |
Antonio Vito Ancona, a member of OP Ancona, a producer organisation that has been active in the sector for over 40 years, has provided a detailed picture of the situation. "The harvest season, which is expected to start in mid-August and continue until the end of October, will be characterised by greatly diminished productivity. While last year we had a 30% drop and an early end to the season by a month, for the current campaign we are expecting a drop of between 30 and 50% depending on the area."
The plants, cultivated on a total of 70 hectares by four producers belonging to the PO, are showing signs of defoliation, a factor that contributes to the complexity of the situation. "Fruits are currently swelling and growing, but the final evolution of the campaign will depend on the rain over the coming weeks, if there will be any."
In addition to the lower volumes, the sector faces challenges related to harvesting, considering that figs are plants with high harvesting costs and difficult labour.
The delicacy of the fruit is a further concern since, as the operator reiterates, "it is very delicate at harvest time, as it can be affected by rainfall and high humidity. This susceptibility to the weather conditions means that the initial losses due to drought could increase further during harvesting, with the risk of a drop in the percentage of product available on the market."
© OP ANCONA
From a commercial point of view, there is some interest and excitement among operators even in a context of reduced volumes. "The product is sold both on the general domestic market and abroad. Germany, in particular, is a key market as it absorbs around 50% of OP Ancona's total sales. However, this percentage is already suffering from the effects of the drought and could be negatively affected by further problems during harvesting."
The fruit is green in colour with violet hues. The skin is thin, while the amber-coloured flesh is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins C, B, and K. OP Ancora distributes the product in 500 g packs, which are then placed in 3 kg crates.
For more information:
O.P. Ancona
Via Liborio Romeo, 7
75025 Policoro (MT)
+39 0835 972149
[email protected]
opancona.it
