North America Edition
Figs are now being grown in Granieri (CT), located a few km from Mazzarrone (Sicily), an area known for its production of table grapes.
Ignazio Zacco
"The idea of introducing intensive fig cultivation stemmed from the need to diversify our production, initially focused on table grapes and stone fruit. We wanted to introduce something that could drive commercialization, even though we later joined a PO that deals with this aspect. It is only one hectare of black and white varieties at the moment, but we are already thinking of expanding it," explained Ignazio Zacco, production manager at Azienda Ca.Fra.
White figs. (Click here for the full album)
"Harvesting is in full swing and the campaign has been truly successful so far when it comes to both quality and commercialization, especially after a few years when some weather problems did not let plants express their full potential. There have been a few hiccups this year as well, i.e. scalding etc., which reduced yields, plus harvesting started a few weeks late. The combination of these factors led to high production prices which, at the moment, hover around €4/kg (producer price)."
Heat damage
"The table grape campaign is doing well and we are about to start with Italia grapes, while we will have to wait early September for Black Pearl. This year has been very peculiar for producers, characterized by high prices and little produce. We have practically already finished with early cultivars Victoria and Black Magic."
The company employs integrated control techniques. (Click here for the full album)
"The trend for medium-late varieties is similar to that of early ones, so we are hoping for prices to be as good. If quotations maintain around €1/kg, or just under, we will be safe at least this year. Operators are bound to remember the past years which, due to various crises, almost made medium-small companies such as ours go bust. We are gradually converting towards new seedless varieties."
Ripening bunches
"We continue to do our best, growing produce according to the best integrated control techniques. We aim at zero residue, also using agronomic techniques that save water. We thus avoid impoverishing the soil and prefer methods such as ploughing (to mitigate soil erosion)."
The company holds the GlobalGAP and GRASP certifications, while the distribution channels - always via the Opas PO - are the big retail chains and Italian and foreign wholesale markets. Abroad, our produce is sent to Belgium, Germany and France.
Device for the mating disruption of parasites
Azienda Agricola Ca.Fra. also produces yellow peaches (1 hectare) of a scented local variety. Then there are Orange Ruby and Farbaly apricots (3 ha).
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Ca.Fra.
Via Montello, 7
95040 Mazzarrone CT – Italia
+39 3355389347
