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Telethon project supported by OP A.Bio.Med

Bringing fruit, vegetables and scientific research together for a good cause

Last year was a difficult one for fruit and vegetables: some products fared worse than others, like tomatoes, while others, such as seedless grapes, were a success. The following analysis from a specialist in the sector shows how it is possible to do well in difficult times.

"When it comes to fruit and vegetables, solidarity is never just about helping the most vulnerable, it is also about doing good for future generations," says Luciano Caruso, director of the producers' organization A.Bio.Med, describing the latest program launched by the organization in Ragusa, Sicily.

Giuseppe Alessi and Luciano Caruso, president, and director respectively of A.Bio.Med.

The project: 'Supporting research on the ground' "From the 1st of January," continues the director, "our producers' organization, with the Naturosa label, will be involved in a campaign to raise funds for scientific research into rare genetic diseases, in collaboration with the Italian bank BNL and the Telethon Foundation, a televised fundraising event. The Naturosa brand, together with that of the Telethon, will preside over various fundraising and sporting events with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle and a correct diet rich in fruit and vegetables, while at the same time making a tangible contribution to scientific research."

Shown here is a portion of the label, containing a QR code referring to Naturosa.

"In addition, the project foresees that for every Naturosa brand on a product sold by us, one cent will be donated to the Telethon, at no extra cost to the end consumer," explains Caruso. "We owe a debt of gratitude to the Business Manager for Agriculture in Sicily, Fabio Maria Gulino, and the Executive Advisory Partner, Gabriele Turtulici, both from BNL BNP Paribas, who helped our company to sign this partnership agreement with the Telethon Foundation."

The year 2024 marked by extremes in the horticultural sector While the spirit of donation marks a moment of broad sharing and participation, the producers' organization A.Bio.Me has also faced the difficulties of the sector during 2014 which Luciano Caruso himself defines as "a year in chiaroscuro."

"The year that has just ended has shown an unstable trend", says Caruso, who is also president of the Val di Noto AOP, "with not indifferent difficulties for some fruit references, but above all for horticultural crops, especially courgettes and tomatoes. It is true that prices for the latter were quite high at certain times of the year, especially from the summer onwards, but only because there was a serious shortage of the product. The balance sheet was therefore quite insignificant, if not negative."

An increased interest in seedless table grapes
"Conversely, concerning table grapes, our producers' organization has experienced a marked shift in dynamics, particularly with regard to the seedless variety, which has proven to be a highly successful season," says Caruso. "This has prompted many of our producers to transition their vineyards from seeded to seedless varieties. As we move into the year and begin to plan, we will also assess how to manage the production of some fruit varieties that underperformed due to the prolonged drought in 2024."

Recent energy price rises likely to affect fruit and vegetable consumption Caruso's concluding remarks address the immediate future: "On the one hand, some products have not yet reached the desired standards due to objective production issues. On the other hand, consumers have shown a general lack of interest in purchasing fruit and vegetables, preferring to allocate their financial resources towards end-of-year leisure and holiday activities. Equally, low and middle-income earners continue to feel the strain of inflation, exacerbated by geopolitical and energy crises. This is further compounded by a new wave of widely announced price increases for energy materials, with gas leading the way, which is a cause for concern. However, it is anticipated that post-holiday season, there will be a resumption in the consumption of fruit and vegetables, which will subsequently lead to the conclusion of the early-year discounts on clothing and other consumer goods."

For more information:
A.BIO.MED.
Soc.Coop. Agr. a.r.l. - OP
97100 Ragusa
+39 0932820046
[email protected]
www.abiomed.it