"This is the third abnormal season for table grapes, and we need to start thinking about the direction we need to take before spiraling into a crisis it will be difficult to get out of," reports Vincenzo Di Piazza (in the photo), agronomist with a deep knowledge of the Sicilian table grape cultivation sector.
"The overall value of the produce has dropped although quality is god and despite the competitive prices compared to seasonal fruits, starting with stone fruit. Yet volumes are average, so what has caused it?"
The Ismea 2020 reports how "the 2020 table grape campaign is in full swing and data report how varieties are doing differently in the various markets."
"We need a better understanding of how the relationships between production and commercialization and commercialization and distribution work in a context that sees seedless grapes getting more and more popular while our territories, especially the Canicattì area, still mainly grow traditional varieties. The situation is slightly different in Mazzarrone, where there is more land destined to the cultivation of seedless varieties."
"Of course royalty varieties are a guarantee to regularize supplies, however they are limited by protectionist dynamics and are not always accessible to small and medium businesses. Small businesses have lost their ability to invest, especially after the disastrous campaigns in 2018 and 2019. This has led to a net loss of the production cost-gross saleable production ratio, made worse by risk factors and depreciation."
"In light of this considerations, medium-small producers cannot face varietal conversions, as they do not possess the economic strength and because they do not have suitable technical assistance. It is not a question of wanting to insist on traditional varieties, but of the need to better understand the change that is affecting the entire segment."
There are currently around 20 thousand hectares of table grapes in Sicily, half of which between the Agrigento and Caltanissetta province (Canicattì PGI area), while the rest is part of the Mazzarrone PGI area.
"Once again, we find ourselves having to make important choices that will probably lead to radical changes. Many small and medium producers are feeling lost and in need of direction, which should keep in mind both the new market trends as well as the objective components that characterize our productions. High production costs and low competitiveness compared to emerging countries make things harder, so new associations would be welcome."
The Link LonkOctober 26, 2020 at 08:07PM
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Where is table grape cultivation going? - FreshPlaza.com
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