"Due to the weather, the harvesting of Sicilian Red Falcon melons could start with limited volumes in 10-15 days' time," explains Giuseppe Marrali of Cooperativa Agricola San Tommaso, part of the Mundial Consortium, the exclusive licensor of this type of melon which, thanks to its sweetness and long shelf-life, is very popular on the European market.
"The fact that it rained very little will exalt the quality of the fruit, though yields might be lower. The productive area has remained in line with previous years, i.e. 1,200-1,500 hectares, and includes the Butera-Agrigento and the Palma di Montechiaro-Licata territories.".
"The campaign will continue until early July because transplants are still being carried out. Some producers are digging up courgettes, which are not at all profitable at the moment, replacing them with other crops. At a commercial level, Easter could help with high prices for the first melons to reach the market. In addition, the abnormal weather might help us distribute the supply on the markets week after week. Last year, due to the abundant rain and poor light conditions, setting was difficult and all the produce became available at the same time."
The San Tommaso cooperative was established in the early 1990s. Since the very beginning, the founding partners wanted to create an innovative company. "Our main objective is not to focus exclusively on productivity, but to exalt the genuineness of the products. We believe quality and flavour are the most important resources our land can offer."
Due to its good shelf-life, Red Falcon melons are suitable for northern European markets too. "In addition, we have carried out some tests in various other markets, e.g. with Austrian, Czech and Slovakian retailers, and it seems people are quite interested."
In addition to melons, the cooperative also grows courgettes, artichokes, tomatoes and peppers. "This weather has created many problems, as prices are below production costs. If we don't manage to reach good prices with melons, it will be a disaster."
Sustainability
The San Tommaso cooperative holds the GlobalGAP and G.R.A.S.P. certifications and, since 2011, it is equipped with a photovoltaic plant, so it is completely self-sufficient from and energetic point of view.
"To maintain our local water resources intact, we have stopped using groundwater and are now using state-of-the-art greenhouses with a water recovery system. Water is therefore stocked during winter so that it can be used even during the summer months." This solution has also helped with the soil salinisation and desertification problems that affect many parts of southern Sicily.
Contacts:
Cooperativa Agricola San Tommaso
Cda Tenutella
S.S. 626 Uscita Carrubba
92027 Licata (AG)
Tel.: (+39) 0934 1958001
Fax: (+39) 0934 1958003
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.coopsantommaso.com
Author: Maria Luigia Brusco
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it
